BIG FORK RIVER AT BIG FALLS, MN

Rising over 24 hours: discharge up 45.5%, from 2,220 to 3,230 ft³/s. Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

• Rising water. Rising over the last 24 hours (discharge up 45.5%). Keep your way back to the bank in sight and watch the level while you fish. “Rising” is our rule of thumb: more than 10% in discharge or 0.2 ft of gauge height in 24 hours, not a USGS or NWS class.

• Flow far above normal. Above the 90th percentile of daily mean flow for this date (USGS class “much above normal”), from 92 years of record. Expect higher, faster water than usual for the season.

  hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) Statistics documentation (percentiles of daily mean discharge) (U.S. Geological Survey)

• Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.

  Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

USGS gauge page USGS statistics NWS gauge BIFM5

Checked Nov 5, 9:15 PM CST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.