Rivers in Idaho
South Fork Payette River at Lowman
Below flood stage
3.29ftStage
Observed Fri, Oct 2, 11:30 AM MDT
- Flood stage
- 7.50 ft
- Forecast crest
- 3.30 ftFri, Oct 2, 12:00 PM MDT
- Record crest
- 8.36 ft1974
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 9.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 8.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 7.50 ft |
| Action | 7.00 ft |
- 9.00 ftThe town of Lowman will experience record flooding with significant property damage.
- 8.50 ftHouses on both sides of the river in the lower section Lowman will flood. Sandbagging will be needed to prevent major damage. Portions of North Shore Drive, Ospree Drive and River Front Road will be flooded.
- 8.00 ftProperties downstream from the Highway 21 Bridge along North Shore Drive and along Osprey Drive on the south bank will flood. Water will reach the first floor of houses along the south bank. Flooding will occur upstream from the Highway 21 bridge along River Front Road. Rock Creek Road and Osprey Drive will be submerged in spots.
- 7.50 ftWater will approach houses on Osprey Drive along the south bank of the river, and sand bags will be needed to protect property. Water will begin seeping into property along North Shore Drive downstream from the Highway 21 bridge. Kirkham Hot Springs Recreational Area will be underwater.
- 7.00 ftWater will flood portions of the Kirkham Hot Springs Recreational Area and high flows will make recreation on and near the river very hazardous. The river will be filled with logs and other floating debris and bank erosion will occur near Lowman. Residents should be aware of increased river levels and prepare to protect property.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, October to December
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | Under 5% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 30, 2026.
Crest history
31 crests on NOAA’s list since 1956.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 16, 1974 | 8.36 ft |
| 2 | June 5, 2010 | 8.12 ft |
| 3 | May 20, 2006 | 7.72 ft |
| 4 | June 1, 1986 | 7.58 ft |
| 5 | May 31, 2017 | 7.56 ft |
| 6 | June 11, 1972 | 7.49 ft |
| 7 | May 24, 1956 | 7.45 ft |
| 8 | June 20, 1982 | 7.27 ft |
| 9 | May 29, 1983 | 7.26 ft |
| 10 | May 18, 1997 | 7.22 ft |
| 11 | May 31, 2003 | 7.20 ft |
| 12 | April 26, 2012 | 7.16 ft |
| 13 | June 24, 2011 | 7.06 ft |
| 14 | May 29, 1999 | 7.05 ft |
| 15 | June 9, 1996 | 6.95 ft |
| 16 | May 21, 2008 | 6.90 ft |
| 17 | June 13, 2022 | 6.81 ft |
| 18 | May 31, 1984 | 6.68 ft |
| 19 | May 23, 2023 | 6.67 ft |
| 20 | May 28, 2014 | 6.43 ft |
| 21 | May 11, 2025 | 6.38 ft |
| 22 | June 1, 2009 | 6.33 ft |
| 23 | June 4, 2024 | 6.32 ft |
| 24 | June 4, 2019 | 6.23 ft |
| 25 | May 26, 2018 | 6.01 ft |
Most recent crests
- May 11, 2025: 6.38 ft
- June 4, 2024: 6.32 ft
- May 23, 2023: 6.67 ft
- June 13, 2022: 6.81 ft
- June 5, 2021: 5.03 ft
- May 31, 2020: 5.92 ft
- June 4, 2019: 6.23 ft
- May 26, 2018: 6.01 ft
- May 31, 2017: 7.56 ft
- May 9, 2016: 5.96 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
Forecasts by the Northwest River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued routinely year-round. Stage may be affected by ice.
Sources
Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.