What water level is good for paddling South Skunk River — Ames to Cambridge?

This section is generally runnable at 100–1,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check South Skunk River levels?

We read USGS gauge 05470000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is South Skunk River — Ames to Cambridge good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle South Skunk River here?

Typically May–September, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float South Skunk River — Ames to Cambridge?

This reach is about 13 miles, roughly 5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

South Skunk River — Ames to Cambridge: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class I13 mi · ~5 hrSouth Skunk RiverIowa

Verdict · updated Oct 16, 8:00 PM UTC

High — use caution — rising fast

Flows are above the comfortable range. Expect strong current, pushy water, cold temperatures and fewer places to stop. Experienced paddlers only — many should wait.

Estimated range

1,990 cfs

8.0 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 05470000

Runnable 100 – 1,500 cfs

01001,5002,090

What this means today

At 1,990 cfs the South Skunk River is 490 cfs above the 1,500 cfs ceiling for this reach, so it is running higher and faster than the range this section is graded for. It is still climbing, so expect it to get worse before it improves.

Over the last 24 hours it has gone from 650 cfs to 1,990 cfs, 206% up. Daily means over the past 7 days have run between 543 cfs and 1,530 cfs, 47% lower at the end of the week than the start. The last day and the week as a whole point opposite ways, which usually means a recent rain bump on top of a longer falling trend — worth a second look at the chart before you commit to the drive.

Paddling Ames to Cambridge

South Skunk River at Ames to Cambridge is a 13-mile Class I run in Iowa — easygoing moving water with light riffles and nothing technical. Most paddlers put in at Ames and take out at Cambridge, a trip that runs about 5 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 100–1,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the South Skunk River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 05470000 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable May–September. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class I
Length: 13 mi
Float time: ~5 hr
Best months: May–September
Put-in: Ames
Take-out: Cambridge

Reading USGS gauge 05470000 — South Skunk River near Ames, IA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling South Skunk River — Ames to Cambridge?: This section is generally runnable at 100–1,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check South Skunk River levels?: We read USGS gauge 05470000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is South Skunk River — Ames to Cambridge good for beginners?: This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle South Skunk River here?: Typically May–September, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float South Skunk River — Ames to Cambridge?: This reach is about 13 miles, roughly 5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 1,390 cfs