Waimea River Near Waimea flow report
As of July 15, 2026, Waimea River Near Waimea is flowing at 133 cfs with a gage height of 6.99 ft, receding 47% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #16031000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Waimea River Near Waimea at a glance
How Waimea River Near Waimea is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Waimea River Near Waimea is flowing at 133 cfs, with the water sitting 6.99 ft at the gage. Flow is down 47% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #16031000 in Hawaii. Over the past 10 days the average has been 159 cfs, peaking at 305 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Hawaii flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Waimea River Nr Waimea is expected to recede from today's 254 cfs, toward roughly 112 cfs by 2026-07-18 (likely range 43-293 cfs) -- about normal for the date.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
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.
Waimea River Near Waimea
The river's flow is dependent on precipitation, which is influenced by the trade winds and tropical storms. The river's watershed includes the Waimea Canyon and several small tributaries. There are no major dams along the river. During the wet season, typically from November to March, water levels can rise quickly and flash floods are possible. The river is also a popular spot for cliff jumping and swimming, but caution should be exercised during high water events.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Waimea River Near Waimea's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Waimea River Nr Waimea | 133 cfs |
| Waialae Str At Alt 3 | 9 cfs |
| Kawaikoi Stream Nr Waimea | 59 cfs |
| Wainiha River Nr Hanalei | 301 cfs |
| Eb Of Nf Wailua River Nr Lihue | 81 cfs |
| Left Branch Opaekaa Str Nr Kapaa | 3 cfs |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Waimea River Near Waimea.
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 Waimea River Near Waimea in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Waimea River Near Waimea crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Waimea River Near Waimea
Where does the streamflow data for Waimea River Near Waimea come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 16031000. 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 Waimea River Near Waimea 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.
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