Station Name: RIFLE RIVER NEAR STERLING, MI
Data Source: Water Data - usgc.gov

Elevation Above Sea Level: 669 feet

Nearest Address:
401 Melita Rd
Sterling, MI 48659
Arenac County

GPS Coordinates: 44.0725203, -84.0199939

Nearby Water Temperatures

Extreme Cold Warning issued January 22 at 3:39PM EST until January 24 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Gaylord MI

Effective: Thu January 22, 2026, 3:39 PM
Expires: Fri January 23, 2026, 3:45 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected. * WHERE...A portion of Northern Lower Michigan. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 11 AM EST Saturday. Coldest wind chills are expected late tonight into Friday morning, and again late Friday night into Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.

Cold Weather Advisory issued January 22 at 3:24PM EST until January 24 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Detroit/Pontiac MI

Effective: Thu January 22, 2026, 3:24 PM
Expires: Fri January 23, 2026, 4:15 AM

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 15 to 25 below zero expected. * WHERE...All of southeast Michigan. * WHEN...From 1 AM Friday to 10 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The coldest conditions are expected between 4 AM and 10 AM Friday morning as well as 9 PM and 5 AM Friday night. Wind chills will remain well below zero through the day Friday and into Saturday morning.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators inside.

Winter Weather Advisory issued January 22 at 3:36PM EST until January 23 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Gaylord MI

Effective: Thu January 22, 2026, 3:36 PM
Expires: Fri January 23, 2026, 3:45 AM

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and reduced visibility. Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches. * WHERE...Crawford, Missaukee, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Roscommon Counties. * WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Friday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Hydrologic Outlook issued January 22 at 11:14AM EST by NWS Grand Rapids MI

Effective: Thu January 22, 2026, 11:14 AM
Expires: Sun January 25, 2026, 11:15 AM

ESFGRR Bitterly cold temperatures moving into Michigan over the next few days will increase the risk of ice jams on rivers. While many locations have already frozen over, ongoing ice growth will continue to increase in any open water areas. These temperatures have not been seen for many years in West Michigan, which means that some areas that don't typically experience river ice jams may have issues this year. Ice jams can result in water levels rising much more quickly than usual, which can catch people off guard. Anyone living or working near rivers in West Michigan should prepare now for potential river ice and rising water levels. While temperatures warm up a bit early next week, this overall cold weather pattern will continue through at least next week, which will keep ice locked in place on the rivers. You can always find the latest river level information at water.noaa. gov

Extreme Cold Warning issued January 22 at 9:21PM EST until January 24 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Grand Rapids MI

Effective: Thu January 22, 2026, 9:21 PM
Expires: Fri January 23, 2026, 5:30 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 32 below. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west central Michigan. * WHEN...Until 11 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.

Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.