Rivers in North Dakota

Souris River at Velva

McHenry County, North DakotaNWS VLVN8Bismarck office

Open the live map with the river flood outlook

Flood stages and impacts

CategoryStage
Major flood1517.0 ft
Moderate flood1512.0 ft
Minor flood1507.0 ft
Action1506.0 ft
  1. 1521.2 ftPermanent flood protection dike would be topped on the left (south) bank. Temporary dikes and raises to permanent flood protection are required.
  2. 1516.2 ftPermanent flood protection dike on the right (north) bank would be topped. Additional flood protective measures would need to be in place.

Flood outlook

Chance of flooding, September to November

CategoryChance
Minor floodingUnder 5%
Moderate floodingUnder 5%
Major floodingUnder 5%

The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 25, 2026.

Crest history

9 crests on NOAA’s list since 1969.

#DateStage
1June 26, 20111515.7 ft
2April 20, 19761511.1 ft
3April 14, 20091510.3 ft
4May 16, 19751509.4 ft
5April 22, 19791509.2 ft
6April 1, 19691509.2 ft
7June 6, 20131508.8 ft
8April 21, 19991505.4 ft
9July 1, 20051505.1 ft

Most recent crests

  • June 6, 2013: 1508.8 ft
  • June 26, 2011: 1515.7 ft
  • April 14, 2009: 1510.3 ft
  • July 1, 2005: 1505.1 ft
  • April 21, 1999: 1505.4 ft
  • April 22, 1979: 1509.2 ft
  • April 20, 1976: 1511.1 ft
  • May 16, 1975: 1509.4 ft
  • April 1, 1969: 1509.2 ft

Nearby

Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.

What this means

Forecasts by the North Central River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available. River Forecasts typically include ONLY 2 days of future rain from <u>forecast issuance time</u> (lower right of graph). Occasionally 3 days of future rain included.

Sources

Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service.