Cache River At Forman Flow Report
As of July 20, 2026, Cache River At Forman is flowing at 1,000 cfs with a gage height of 16.44 ft, rising 21% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03612000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Cache River At Forman at a glance
How Cache River At Forman is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Cache River At Forman is flowing at 1,000 cfs, with the water sitting 16.44 ft at the gage. Flow is up 21% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #03612000 in Illinois. Over the past 10 days the average has been 2,813 cfs, peaking at 6,130 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Illinois flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #03612000).
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, Cache River At Forman is expected to recede from today's 1000 cfs, toward roughly 257 cfs by 2026-07-25 (likely range 39-1704 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.
| 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.
Cache River At Forman
The Cache River is primarily fed by tributaries and does not have any major dams along its course. During the summer months, flow rates tend to decrease due to lower precipitation levels, while winter months are associated with higher flow rates due to increased precipitation and snowmelt. The Cache River is known for its unique hydrology, including its meandering course and numerous oxbow lakes, which are formed when the river's flow changes direction. These features provide important habitats for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Cache River At Forman's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Cache River At Forman | 1,000 cfs |
| Bayou Creek Near Grahamville | 5 cfs |
| Little Bayou Creek Near Grahamville | 1 cfs |
| Ohio River At Metropolis | 444,000 cfs |
| Lusk Creek Near Eddyville | 5 cfs |
| Massac Creek Near Paducah | 3 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Cache River At Forman. 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 |
|---|---|
| New Burnside 1.8 Ene | 0 in |
| De Soto 0.3 Ese | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Cache River At Forman.
Boat launches
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River runs
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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 Cache River At Forman in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Cache River At Forman crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Cache River At Forman
Where does the streamflow data for Cache River At Forman come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03612000. 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 Cache River At Forman 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 Cache River At Forman report
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