River stage
James River (ND, SD)
- River level
- Normal
- Status
- Below flood stage
Latest readings 2026-10-13 | NWS · USGS
- Gauges reporting
- 14 of 14
- Above flood stage
- 0
- Above action stage
- 0
- Overall
- Below flood stage
- Publisher
- NWS · USGS
In brief
On Oct 13, 2026, 14 of 14 gauges on the James River (ND, SD) reported, and none was above flood stage.
Source: National Weather Service and USGS gauges
James River levels, gauge by gauge
The James River is measured at 14 gauges across North Dakota, South Dakota. Flood stages are set per gauge, so the same river is "high" at one town and normal at the next.
| Location | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Grace City | 4.51 ft | normal, rising |
| Jamestown | 3.77 ft | normal, steady |
| Jamestown Dam | 1430.33 ft | no flood stage set |
| Kensal | 1.98 ft | normal, steady |
| LaMoure | 7.80 ft | normal, steady |
| Ashton | 3.49 ft | normal, falling |
| Columbia | 4.66 ft | normal, rising |
| Forestburg | 4.67 ft | normal, steady |
| Hecla | 88.23 ft | normal, falling |
| Mitchell | 10.00 ft | normal, steady |
| Redfield | 3.06 ft | normal, falling |
| Scotland | 4.26 ft | normal, steady |
| Stratford | 5.51 ft | normal, falling |
| Yankton | 3.51 ft | normal, steady |
Recent levels on the James River
The gauge with the fullest recent record on this river is Grace City, ND, with 122 days of readings.
Other rivers nearby
- James River (MO) different river, same name
- James River (VA) different river, same name
- Beaver Creek (ND) 1 gauge
- Oak Creek (SD) 1 gauge
- Cedar Creek (SD) 1 gauge
- Vermillion River (SD) 3 gauges
- Grand River (SD) 2 gauges
- Cedar Creek (ND) 1 gauge
Frequently asked questions
Is the James River flooding right now?
No. Every one of the 14 reporting gauges on the James River is below flood stage as of 2026-10-13.
How high is the James River?
The river is measured at several points and each reads a different height. Grace City is at 4.51 ft; Jamestown is at 3.77 ft; Kensal is at 1.98 ft; LaMoure is at 7.80 ft.
Where is the James River measured?
The National Weather Service and USGS operate 14 gauges on the James River across North Dakota, South Dakota.
What does flood stage mean?
Flood stage is the height at which a river begins to cause problems at that specific location. It is set per gauge, so the same river can be above flood stage in one town and normal a few miles downstream. Action stage is the lower level at which forecasters start watching closely.
River stages and flood categories from the NOAA National Weather Service; daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.