River stage
Hecla, James River
- River level
- 88.23 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- -0.21 ft
- Recent high
- 88.86 ft
- Recent low
- 87.35 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS JSLS2
- 30-day change
- +0.84 ft
- Average
- 88.06 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 98.04 ft
In brief
The James River at Hecla, SD read 88.23 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 3.77 ft below action stage. That is 0.84 ft higher than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge JSLS2
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 98.04 ft | 1997-04-01 |
| 2 | 96.35 ft | 2009-04-18 |
| 3 | 95.71 ft | 2019-11-04 |
| 4 | 95.51 ft | 2010-03-27 |
| 5 | 95.38 ft | 2011-04-12 |
| 6 | 94.33 ft | 2023-04-25 |
| 7 | 93.39 ft | 2013-06-28 |
| 8 | 93.39 ft | 1993-08-03 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 93.00 ft
Mainly agricultural land impacts. Initial areas of water affecting 100th/103rd streets.
- 94.00 ft
North edge of road west of gage on 100th St. sees water.
- 94.50 ft
Much of intersection at 103rd/403rd streets under water. 103rd St. west of intersection has water. Entire road west of gage on 100th St. under water.
- 95.10 ft
Circular road at day use area on 104th St. under water.
- 95.90 ft
Water along north edge of 104th St. west of bridge at low spot.
- 96.40 ft
Low area west of 104th St. bridge under water.
- 96.90 ft
Water reaches bottom of bridge (SE corner) at 100th St. gage site.
- 98.30 ft
Road goes under water on 100th St. at gage site.
- 100.10 ft
Water goes over 104th St. bridge.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the James River flooding at Hecla?
No. The James River at Hecla is at 88.23 ft, 3.77 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Hecla?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 92 ft, minor flooding 93 ft, moderate flooding 94.5 ft and major flooding 96 ft.
What is the highest the James River has been at Hecla?
The highest crest on record is 98.04 ft, on 1997-04-01.
Is the James River high or low right now at Hecla?
At 88.23 ft it is higher than 53% of readings over the last 122 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge JSLS2); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 06470878). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.