KENTUCKY FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: February 13, 2026

Kentucky's river systems have experienced significant variability in streamflow, with notable declines in normal flow percentages across many locations, suggesting a potential for flow drought conditions. For instance, the Ohio River at Old Shawneetown reported a considerable flow of 259,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), yet this is still 21.89% below normal, signaling a lower than average water availability. Meanwhile, many of the state's rivers such as the Tug Fork at Williamson, Levisa Fork at Pikeville, and the Kentucky River at various locks are experiencing lower than average streamflows, with reductions up to 86.17% at the Ohio River at Markland Dam near Warsaw. These trends may impact water-based recreation and the ecosystems dependent on consistent water flow.

For whitewater enthusiasts, rivers like the Cumberland near Williamsburg and the Rockcastle River at Billows, which are known for their rapids, are currently below their typical flow, at -79.49% and -50.71% of their normal streamflow, respectively. Conversely, the North Fork Licking River near Mt Olivet stands out with a streamflow of 1540 cfs, which is considerably above the norm at 114.16%. High gage heights, such as 22.9 feet at the Ohio River at Greenup Dam and 22.25 feet on the Rolling Fork near Boston, accompany some higher flows, indicating areas where water enthusiasts should exercise caution due to potential flooding conditions. The state's varied topography, with elevations ranging from 334 feet at Old Shawneetown to 1446 feet at Poor Fork at Cumberland, contributes to the complexity of the river flow dynamics. Users should remain alert to the changing conditions and refer to the latest streamflow data before planning activities on or near the water.