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.
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% |
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 |
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 |
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.