FLOW REPORT
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Rivers and stream gauges across the nation are registering varied flow conditions, painting a contrasting picture of our waterways. On one end, the Ohio River at Old Shawneetown reports a significant high flow of 259,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), potentially affecting local communities in Kentucky and Illinois with mostly sunny weather interspersed with potential thunderstorms. Meanwhile, the Skagit River in Washington is experiencing a staggering flow 398.7% above normal, indicating potential flooding and impacting outdoor activities. Conversely, the Tombigbee River's flow in Alabama is reported at just 20.46% of the typical, hinting at drought-like conditions. These extremes highlight the complex and dynamic nature of our river systems, which are influenced by local weather patterns and broader climatic trends.
Major cities are on alert as waterways such as the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, and the Mississippi River in St. Paul, Minnesota, showcase high streamflows of 152,000 cfs and 23,900 cfs, respectively. The sunny weather in Florida and partly sunny conditions in Minnesota may offer a slight reprieve for any immediate weather-induced increases. In the Pacific Northwest, rivers like the Sauk and the Wenatchee are experiencing flows over six times their average, which could affect the nearby communities and ecosystems. Outdoor enthusiasts in these regions should be particularly cautious, as such conditions can rapidly change and pose risks to fishing, rafting, and other river activities.
For water management researchers, these observations demand a closer analysis of the changing patterns and potential long-term impacts on water resources and habitats. In Arkansas, the White River is reporting flows ranging from 18,200 cfs to 43,800 cfs under mostly sunny skies with a slight chance of storms – conditions that require monitoring for any escalation. Meanwhile, the Snake River at Hells Canyon Dam on the Idaho-Oregon state line, with scattered snow showers, shows a flow of 19,200 cfs. The data also reveals that stream gauges are flooded in watersheds like Middle Pearl-Strong in Mississippi and Lower St. Johns in Florida, which are clocking in at over 1,000% their normal flows. This information is crucial for flood management and ecological conservation as it helps predict possible flooding events and guide the allocation of resources for mitigation efforts.