ALABAMA FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: January 9, 2026

Alabama's river systems are currently experiencing varying degrees of streamflow, with several areas indicating below-normal conditions that may be of concern to water enthusiasts and local communities. Notably, the Alabama River near Montgomery is flowing at 9,620 cubic feet per second (cfs), a significant decrease and only 20.69% of normal rates. Similarly, the Coosa River at Childersburg is experiencing dramatically increased flow at 1,860 cfs, which is an alarming 7.36% of its typical flow. This may suggest potential flooding risks. The Tombigbee River at Demopolis Lock and Dam near Coatopa is at 5,750 cfs, considerably lower than average at just 9.77% of normal. Conversely, the Village Creek at 24th St. in Birmingham has seen a substantial increase to 229 cfs, well above the expected level at 321.11% of the normal streamflow.

Within these trends, river users should be aware of specific areas of interest. For example, the Conecuh River, important for both ecological diversity and recreation, has a current flow of 148 cfs at Brantley, down 78.1% from its normal flow, which could impact the ecosystem and activities such as fishing. Whitewater enthusiasts should note the significant increase in streamflow at Village Creek in Birmingham, which could enhance conditions for the sport but also raises safety concerns. The Mulberry Fork, a tributary of the Black Warrior River, shows a high flow of 1,110 cfs near Cordova, which is 12.86% of the normal rate, indicating possible flooding events. On the other hand, the Bear Creek at Bishop shows a positive trend for recreational use with a flow rate at 4,330 cfs, which is 89.76% of its normal flow, potentially offering good conditions for paddling. Residents and visitors near these major rivers and watersheds should stay informed of local water conditions as they can change rapidly, impacting both water-based recreation and community safety.