American River A Fair Oaks Flow Report
As of July 20, 2026, American River A Fair Oaks is flowing at 4,410 cfs with a gage height of 8.06 ft. Source: USGS gauge #11446500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
American River A Fair Oaks at a glance
How American River A Fair Oaks is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
American River A Fair Oaks is flowing at 4,410 cfs, with the water sitting 8.06 ft at the gage.
This is USGS gauge #11446500 in California. Over the past 10 days the average has been 4,406 cfs, peaking at 4,430 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the California flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #11446500).
Estimate flows at an ungauged site
Drainage-area ratio transfer from this gauge . Most reliable for hydrologically similar sites in the same watershed with area ratios between roughly 0.5 and 1.5.
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, American R A Fair Oaks Ca is expected to recede from today's 4410 cfs, toward roughly 3941 cfs by 2026-07-24 (likely range 2653-5854 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
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.
American River A Fair Oaks
The primary constituents of this flow are snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains and rainfall in the valley. The river is fed by several tributaries, including the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork of the American River. The Folsom Dam regulates the flow of the river and provides hydroelectric power. Seasonal trends show high flow in the spring due to snowmelt and low flow in the summer and fall. Interestingly, the American River is home to a population of steelhead trout, a threatened species, which spawn in the river and its tributaries.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check American River A Fair Oaks's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| American R A Fair Oaks Ca | 4,410 cfs |
| Dry C A Vernon St Bridge A Roseville Ca | 159 cfs |
| Arcade C Nr Del Paso Heights Ca | 0 cfs |
| Deer C Nr Cameron Park Ca | 8 cfs |
| Cosumnes R A Michigan Bar Ca | 61 cfs |
| Morrison C Nr Sacramento Ca | 11 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near American River A Fair Oaks. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Grass Valley No. 2 | 0 in |
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 American River A Fair Oaks in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when American River A Fair Oaks crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About American River A Fair Oaks
Where does the streamflow data for American River A Fair Oaks come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 11446500. 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 American River A Fair Oaks 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 American River A Fair Oaks report
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