Live streamflow across the country.

# Major Rivers Surge Across Nation as Extreme Conditions Dominate Streamflow Patterns

Rivers across the United States are experiencing dramatic streamflow variations, with several major waterways recording extraordinary volumes while others face concerning drought conditions. The Ohio River at Old Shawneetown leads the nation with a massive 259,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), while Texas's Nueces River system shows the most extreme departure from normal—running at an astonishing 1.4 million percent of typical flows. From Florida's St. Johns River pushing 152,000 cfs near Jacksonville to Minnesota's swollen tributaries feeding the Mississippi, water managers and outdoor enthusiasts are witnessing one of the most diverse hydrological events in recent memory.

The Upper Midwest and South-Central regions are experiencing particularly noteworthy conditions. Minnesota's river systems—including the Minnesota River at multiple gauges and the Mississippi at St. Paul (23,900 cfs)—are running well above average despite partly sunny conditions, suggesting significant snowmelt or recent precipitation upstream. Meanwhile, Texas rivers are experiencing explosive flows: the Frio River is running 27,854% above normal, while the Lampasas and Sabinal rivers show increases exceeding 1,700% and 5,800% respectively. The Middle Brazos-Lake Whitney watershed has surged to an incredible 12,042% of normal flow. These extreme conditions create both opportunities for whitewater enthusiasts and serious concerns for downstream communities near Houston, San Antonio, and smaller Texas towns.

Georgia's Savannah River system dominates the Southeast with three gauges reporting significant flows—25,700 cfs near Port Wentworth, affecting the greater Savannah metropolitan area. Arkansas's White River system shows robust conditions with three monitoring points above 18,000 cfs, excellent news for the region's renowned trout fishing below Bull Shoals and Norfork dams. Conversely, some watersheds face challenges: the Des Plaines River in Illinois runs at just 76% of normal, while Minnesota's Wild Rice and Cedar rivers have dropped to 27% and 31% of typical flows respectively. The Pacific Northwest's Snake River reports strong flows near Hells Canyon amid scattered snow showers, while California's Sacramento River maintains healthy conditions at Verona—critical for the state's water supply and salmon migration.