Sipsey River Near Elrod flow report
As of July 13, 2026, Sipsey River Near Elrod is flowing at 197 cfs with a gage height of 6.28 ft, receding 20% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #02446500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Sipsey River Near Elrod at a glance
How Sipsey River Near Elrod is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Sipsey River Near Elrod is flowing at 197 cfs, with the water sitting 6.28 ft at the gage. Flow is down 20% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #02446500 in Alabama. Over the past 10 days the average has been 277 cfs, peaking at 494 cfs.
Over the next 5 days, Sipsey River Nr Elrod is expected to recede from today's 249 cfs, toward roughly 220 cfs by 2026-07-17 (likely range 96-505 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Alabama flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s Predictive Unified Learning & Simulation Engine, which learns from how this river has answered every past storm, snowmelt, and dry spell to forecast where it’s headed with a precision generic models can’t match.
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Sipsey River Near Elrod
Located in the Sipsey Wilderness Area, the river is fed by several tributaries including Borden Creek and Hubbard Creek. Seasonal trends show higher flows in the winter and lower flows in the summer. The hydrology of the Sipsey River is affected by the construction of Bankhead Dam which has altered the natural flow of the river. Interestingly, the Sipsey River is known for its impressive rock formations and is often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Waterfalls." The river is popular for kayaking and fishing, and its clean water supports a variety of aquatic life including rare species of mussels.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Sipsey River Near Elrod's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Sipsey River Nr Elrod | 197 cfs |
| Black Warrior River At Northport Al | 2,000 cfs |
| Cribbs Mill Creek At Ww Plant At Tuscaloosa | 10 cfs |
| Binion Creek Below Gin Creek Near Samantha Al | 13 cfs |
| North River Near Samantha Al | 27 cfs |
| Turkey Creek Near Tuscaloosa | 1 cfs |
River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track Sipsey River Near Elrod in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Sipsey River Near Elrod crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Sipsey River Near Elrod
Where does the streamflow data for Sipsey River Near Elrod come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 02446500. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when Sipsey River Near Elrod rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free Sipsey River Near Elrod report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
- Flow alerts — get pinged the moment this river hits your range
- Save favorites — every river, lake & snowpack in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app