FLOW REPORT

February 6 2025

Across the United States, river enthusiasts and water management researchers are observing a mix of high streamflows and drought conditions affecting various rivers and watersheds. Recent data indicates that a number of major rivers are experiencing above-average streamflows, potentially impacting adjacent cities and ecosystems. Among these, the Mississippi River at Memphis, Tennessee, reports a significant flow of 530,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), accompanied by a chance of thunderstorms, which could raise concerns for localized flooding. Meanwhile, the Ohio River has high readings at several gauges, including Cannelton Dam in Indiana and Markland Dam near Warsaw, Kentucky, with flows of 301,000 cfs and 180,000 cfs respectively, possibly affected by showers and thunderstorms.

In California, watersheds such as the Sacramento-Upper Clear and Upper Cache are dramatically exceeding their typical flows, with observed levels over 1,000 percent above normal in some cases, due to consistent showers and patchy fog. The Russian River near Guerneville is experiencing a flow of 40,400 cfs, well above its normal rate, suggesting a high potential for flooding and impacting river activities. Arkansas's White River is also swollen, with gauges at Georgetown and Batesville showing significant increases in flow, likely influenced by stormy conditions.

The Tombigbee River in Alabama, though not at the highest recorded levels, is still flowing at a notable 49,700 cfs at Coffeeville Lock and Dam, with mostly cloudy skies and chances of showers that could exacerbate the situation. These unpredictable conditions highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and preparedness for those living in or visiting areas near these waterways.

For river enthusiasts interested in fishing or rafting, it is crucial to check local stream gauge readings and weather forecasts before planning activities. High streamflows can provide thrilling rafting experiences but also come with increased safety risks. Conversely, areas in drought conditions might not be navigable or could affect fish populations and their behavior. As conditions evolve, staying informed through multiple data sources ensures safety and the ability to respond to the dynamic nature of our nation's rivers and watersheds.

Streamflow conditions across the USA vary significantly due to geographical and climatic factors. Historically, areas with high streamflows include the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Rocky Mountains, and the Upper Midwest, particularly during the spring months when snowmelt is at its peak. These regions experience abundant streamflow due to the melting of substantial snowpacks accumulated during winter. The Rocky Mountains, for instance, have numerous rivers fed by snowmelt, such as the Colorado and Yellowstone rivers, which see increased flow from late spring to early summer, crucial for agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and replenishing groundwater levels.

Snowpacks play a crucial role in regulating streamflows across the US. In mountainous regions like the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades, snow accumulates during winter and gradually melts in spring and early summer, sustaining rivers like the Sacramento and Columbia. These rivers not only support ecosystems and agriculture but also provide vital water resources for cities and towns downstream. Streamflow levels directly impact recreational activities such as fishing and whitewater kayaking, as fish migration and water levels for rafting are closely tied to seasonal flow patterns. Balancing water usage with ecological and recreational needs remains critical in managing and sustaining healthy streamflow conditions nationwide.


Flood Monitor

Location Percent of Normal
Ouachita River
River / Tributary
209%
Noyo River
River / Tributary
990%
White River
River / Tributary
173%
Shasta River
River / Tributary
866%
Sacramento River
River / Tributary
645%
Neches River
River / Tributary
266%
Owyhee River
River / Tributary
656%
Cedar River
River / Tributary
154%
Calcasieu River
River / Tributary
160%
Malad River
River / Tributary
653%
Black River
River / Tributary
159%
Russian River
River / Tributary
992%
Trinity River
River / Tributary
710%
Sabine River
River / Tributary
426%
Lower Black
Watershed
159%
Sacramento-Upper Clear
Watershed
1033%
Upper Cache
Watershed
1195%
Upper Putah
Watershed
849%
Upper Elder-Upper Thomes
Watershed
623%
Buffalo-San Jacinto
Watershed
1354%
Big Wood
Watershed
653%
Big-Navarro-Garcia
Watershed
990%
Trinity
Watershed
710%
Upper Ouachita
Watershed
209%
Upper Neches
Watershed
266%
Middle Fork Eel
Watershed
718%
Upper Calcasieu
Watershed
160%
Chambers
Watershed
834%
Northern Okeechobee Inflow
Watershed
717%
Upper Yuba
Watershed
1333%
Middle Owyhee
Watershed
656%
Lower Sacramento
Watershed
993%
Upper Pit
Watershed
1469%
Lower Pit
Watershed
720%
Sacramento Headwaters
Watershed
645%
North Fork American
Watershed
833%
Sacramento-Lower Cow-Lower Clear
Watershed
855%
Sacramento-Lower Thomes
Watershed
1073%
Lower Cottonwood
Watershed
1011%
Lower Butte
Watershed
1317%
East Branch North Fork Feather
Watershed
1411%
San Francisco Coastal South
Watershed
1057%
Tomales-Drake Bays
Watershed
1011%
San Pablo Bay
Watershed
805%
Upper Sabine
Watershed
426%
Middle Brazos-Lake Whitney
Watershed
1067%
Upper White-Village
Watershed
173%
Middle Pearl-Strong
Watershed
1112%
Upper Klamath
Watershed
866%
Russian
Watershed
982%

Surging Streamflows

Streamgauge Discharge Change Discharge
YOLO BYPASS NR WOODLAND CA +4,609% 44,500cfs
FLOYDS FORK NEAR PEWEE VALLEY, KY +2,429% 1,990cfs
HARRODS CREEK AT HIGHWAY 329 NR GOSHEN, KY. +2,382% 2,410cfs
NORTH FORK NOLIN RIVER AT HODGENVILLE, KY +2,240% 1,540cfs
FLOYDS FORK AT FISHERVILLE, KY +1,876% 3,240cfs
POCATALICO RIVER AT SISSONVILLE, WV +1,611% 3,370cfs
FLOYDS FORK NEAR MT WASHINGTON, KY +878% 3,140cfs
SILVER CREEK NEAR SELLERSBURG, IND +609% 1,950cfs
CANEY CREEK NEAR HORSE BRANCH, KY +552% 1,330cfs
ELKHORN CREEK NEAR FRANKFORT, KY +359% 5,550cfs

Paddling Destinations

Location Discharge Status
GREENWOOD TO MAMMOTH BAR 1,390cfs Runnable
TUNNEL RUN (RALSTON POWERHOUSE TO GREENWOOD) 1,390cfs Runnable
GENERATION AND GIANT GAPS (TADPOLE TO COLFAX-IOWA HILL ROAD) 1,390cfs Runnable
YANKEE JIM ROAD TO PONDEROSA WAY (SHIRTTAIL) 1,390cfs Runnable
CHILI BAR 1,390cfs Runnable
COLOMA TO GREENWOOD - (C TO G) 1,390cfs Runnable
SUNRISE AVENUE TO WATT AVENUE 1,020cfs Too High
ROYAL GORGE (SODA SPRINGS TO TADPOLE CREEK) 817cfs Runnable
CHRISTOPHER CREEK 443cfs Too High
INDIAN GARDENS 30cfs Too Low

Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) - La Nina Cooling Phase

The Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) is a rolling 3-month average temperature anomaly, and used for tracking El Niño-Southern Oscillation climate patterns. Based on the latest data for the last 3 months (NDJ), the Oceanic Nino Index is currently -0.53, signifying a La Nina period. A persistent above average sea surface temperature may signify an El Niño episode. Conversely, a below average sea surface temperature will signal the onset of La Nina occurences.

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