River stage
Bismarck, Missouri River
- River level
- 3.75 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- -0.05 ft
- Recent high
- 5.27 ft
- Recent low
- 3.71 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS BIWN8
- 30-day change
- -1.16 ft
- Average
- 4.79 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 31.60 ft
In brief
The Missouri River at Bismarck, ND read 3.75 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 8.75 ft below action stage. That is 1.16 ft lower than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge BIWN8
Water 54 °F (12 °C) · about normal for this date · -2 °F in 24 hours
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 31.60 ft | 1881-03-31 |
| 2 | 31.10 ft | 1887-01-01 |
| 3 | 30.40 ft | 1910-03-14 |
| 4 | 27.90 ft | 1952-04-06 |
| 5 | 27.70 ft | 1897-04-08 |
| 6 | 27.60 ft | 1917-04-08 |
| 7 | 27.40 ft | 1884-01-01 |
| 8 | 25.20 ft | 1899-04-14 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 12.50 ft
Unusually high river stage for this reach of the Missouri River. Residents are encouraged to pay close attention to NWS updates, local media, and local emergency management for information concerning why the river is this high and its potential for further rises.
- 14.50 ft
Flooding of rural areas begins. Inundation of croplands and the potential closure of local boat ramp access is likely. Riverbank erosion rates increase and cause unstable shorelines. If water levels are the result of an icejam south of Bismarck, water levels will be relatively higher near the jam and cause concerns for residents south of Fox Island.
- 16.00 ft
Before 16 feet, older homes in the Fox Island area may experience flooding. Homes built to this level are at less risk but may have water surrounding them. Access to Fox island is difficult because of water on Riverwood Drive. No significant threat to the incorporated cities of Bismarck and Mandan.
- 17.00 ft
City of Bismarck experiences flooding of streets in low-lying areas if not protected. Access to Fox Island and other rural developments becomes increasingly difficult. Access to homes in the Briardale, Hoge Island, Ponderosa, and Misty Waters developments north of Bismarck may be cutoff and some homes are taking on water if not protected.
- 18.00 ft
Homes in the low-lying incorporated parts of Bismarck if not protected risk inundation.
- 20.00 ft
Water begins to appear on the lowest stretches of River Road north of Bismarck.
- 22.00 ft
Significant number of homes and businesses on both sides of the river should be expected to flood if not protected.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Missouri River flooding at Bismarck?
No. The Missouri River at Bismarck is at 3.75 ft, 8.75 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Bismarck?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 12.5 ft, minor flooding 14.5 ft, moderate flooding 16 ft and major flooding 18 ft.
What is the highest the Missouri River has been at Bismarck?
The highest crest on record is 31.6 ft, on 1881-03-31.
Is the Missouri River high or low right now at Bismarck?
At 3.75 ft it is higher than 3% of readings over the last 122 days.
How warm is the water at Bismarck, Missouri River?
The water temperature at Bismarck, Missouri River is 54 °F (12.2 °C), measured 7:15 pm by USGS, which is about average for this date over the past ten years. It has fallen 1.6 °F in the last 24 hours.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge BIWN8); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 06342500). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.