Niobrara River near Sparks

1. 16.00 ftMajor flood stage with significant flooding along the river. Several homes and cabins along the river may be flooded.
2. 12.00 ftModerate flood stage. Moderate flooding is possible. Cabins and businesses along the river may be impacted by rising water levels.
3. 8.00 ftSmith falls campground may begin to flood as well as parking areas along the river.
4. 7.00 ftMinor flooding along the left bank downstream from Berry Bridge to Smith Falls Campground.
5. 6.00 ftFlood stage. Minor flooding along the lower banks.
6. 5.50 ftMinor flooding of lowland directly along the river. Recreational intrest's along and on the river may be impacted.

Chance of flooding, September to November

The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 23, 2026.

Most recent crests

• January 5, 2023: 5.40 ft
• April 30, 2022: 3.31 ft
• January 2, 2022: 3.35 ft
• March 22, 2021: 3.45 ft
• March 15, 2021: 3.48 ft
• March 31, 2020: 3.60 ft
• March 25, 2019: 6.16 ft
• March 23, 2018: 3.49 ft
• February 21, 2018: 10.31 ft
• February 24, 2017: 3.52 ft

• UpstreamNiobrara River at Nenzel 8S
• DownstreamNiobrara River at Verdel
• Keyapaha River at Keyapaha
• Rock Creek
• Snake River at Burge
• Antelope Creek
• Keyapaha River at Wewala
• Snake River at Merritt Dam
• Long Pine Creek at Riverview

Forecasts by the Missouri Basin River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available. River forecasts for this location take into account past and future precipitation. Forecast stages may be different if forecast future rainfall does not occur. Gauge reading may be affected by ice.

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.