Can you swim here today?
Belle Fourche River
Dakota Township, South Dakota · River
Use caution — an official advisory is in effect
Use cautionAs of August 23, 2026, USGS gauge 06438000, 13.7 miles away, reports a streamflow of 121 ft³/s near Belle Fourche River but no water-temperature reading.
Use caution — an official advisory is in effect: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 06438000, as of Aug 23, 4:00 PM gauge-local time
- A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Bennett, SD; Butte, SD; Custer, SD; Fall River, SD; Haakon, SD; Harding, SD; Jackson, SD and other areas. — NWS Rapid City SD
- Flow is below the 25th percentile for Aug 23 (median 259 ft³/s over 72 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 23, 4:00 PM gauge-local time
Flow is low for this date — below the 25th percentile for Aug 23 (median 259 ft³/s over 72 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for South Dakota yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge BELLE FOURCHE RIVER NEAR ELM SPRINGS, SD (13.7 mi away), as of Aug 23, 4:00 PM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.