Rivermatics

USGS Streamgage 06479515

Willow Creek near Watertown, SD

Willow Creek near Watertown, SD is USGS streamgage 06479515 in South Dakota, monitoring river discharge in hydrologic subbasin 10170201. It drains a watershed of about 109 square miles. Discharge records at this site go back to 1971. Typical flow runs near 1 cfs in July and 19.8 cfs in April, with the higher of the two arriving in April.

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Gauge details

State
South Dakota
Drainage area
109 sq mi
Gauge elevation
1,738 ft
Subbasin (HUC-8)
10170201
Coordinates
44.91889, -97.04528
USGS site number
06479515
Records begin
1971-09-01 (55 years)

Typical flow by month

Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 15 years of data), averaged within each month. These describe the historical normal range — they are not a forecast and not today's reading.

Historical monthly discharge percentiles in cubic feet per second
Month Low p10 Typical p50 High p90 Range
January 0 0.2 2.6
February 0 0.5 33.9
March 0.2 8.6 327.6
April 2.1 19.8 245
May 0.5 7.8 128.7
June 0.1 6.8 119.3
July 0 1 40.4
August 0 0.6 33.5
September 0 0.7 33.2
October 0 0.6 18.4
November 0.1 0.8 13.2
December 0 0.4 7.7

All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).

Common questions

When does Willow Creek near Watertown, SD normally run highest?
April, on the long-term record. The median daily flow that month is about 19.8 cfs, against 0.2 cfs in January, the lowest month. These are historical normals for the date, not a forecast and not today's reading.
What is a normal flow for Willow Creek near Watertown, SD?
It depends on the month. In January, half of days historically fall near 0.2 cfs, with the middle 80% of days between 0 and 2.6 cfs. The month-by-month table on this page gives the full range.
How long has Willow Creek near Watertown, SD been measured?
Discharge records at USGS site 06479515 begin in 1971, about 55 years, covering roughly 78 days of published daily values. The long record is what makes the monthly percentiles on this page meaningful.
Where is Willow Creek near Watertown, SD?
The gauge sits at 44.91889, -97.04528, in South Dakota, in hydrologic subbasin 10170201, at an elevation of about 1,738 feet, draining roughly 109 square miles.
Can I use Willow Creek near Watertown, SD data for flood or safety decisions?
No. Rivermatics provides estimates, not guarantees, and the readings and forecasts here may be delayed, inaccurate, or wrong. Do not use them for navigation or for any safety, rescue, or emergency decision. Check the National Weather Service and USGS directly, and use your own judgment.

Other gauges in this subbasin