Rainbow River Near Dunnellon Flow Report
As of July 20, 2026, Rainbow River Near Dunnellon is flowing at 411 cfs with a gage height of 5.47 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #02313098, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Rainbow River Near Dunnellon at a glance
How Rainbow River Near Dunnellon is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Rainbow River Near Dunnellon is flowing at 411 cfs, with the water sitting 5.47 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #02313098 in Florida. Over the past 10 days the average has been 423 cfs, peaking at 432 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Florida flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #02313098).
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, Rainbow River Near Dunnellon is expected to rise from today's 411 cfs, toward roughly 457 cfs by 2026-07-25 (likely range 398-526 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
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.
Rainbow River Near Dunnellon
Its flow is mainly provided by four major springs, with the main spring known as Rainbow Springs. The river does not have any significant dams or tributaries but is affected by seasonal changes, with higher flows during the rainy season and lower flows during the dry season. The hydrology of the river is interesting as it is home to a diverse range of aquatic plants and animals, including several species of fish, turtles, and manatees. The river is also a popular spot for recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, and tubing.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Rainbow River Near Dunnellon's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Rainbow River Near Dunnellon | 411 cfs |
| Rainbow Springs Near Dunnellon | 532 cfs |
| Withlacoochee River Nr Holder | 223 cfs |
| Withlacoochee R At Inglis Dam Nr Dunnellon | 0 cfs |
| Withlacoochee R Bypass Channel Nr Inglis Fla | 568 cfs |
| Withlacoochee River Nr Inverness | 82 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 Rainbow River Near Dunnellon in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Rainbow River Near Dunnellon crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Rainbow River Near Dunnellon
Where does the streamflow data for Rainbow River Near Dunnellon come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 02313098. 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 Rainbow River Near Dunnellon 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 Rainbow River Near Dunnellon report
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