Ohio River At Metropolis flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Ohio River At Metropolis is flowing at 444,000 cfs. Source: USGS gauge #03611500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Ohio River At Metropolis at a glance
How Ohio River At Metropolis is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Ohio River At Metropolis is flowing at 444,000 cfs, with the water sitting 37.15 ft at the gage.
This is USGS gauge #03611500 in Illinois. Over the past 10 days the average has been 474,333 cfs, peaking at 492,000 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Illinois flow report.
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.
Ohio River At Metropolis
The river is fed by numerous tributaries, including the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. The presence of the Lock and Dam 52 and 53 can affect the flow of the river. Seasonally, the Ohio River experiences high water levels in the spring due to snowmelt and rainfall, while low water levels are common in late summer and fall. The river has a rich history and cultural significance, including being the inspiration for the song "Ol' Man River."
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Ohio River At Metropolis's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Ohio River At Metropolis | 444,000 cfs |
| Little Bayou Creek Near Grahamville | 1 cfs |
| Bayou Creek Near Grahamville | 5 cfs |
| Massac Creek Near Paducah | 14 cfs |
| Cache River At Forman | 5,680 cfs |
| Lusk Creek Near Eddyville | 28 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Ohio River At Metropolis. 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 |
| Kenlake Resort | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Ohio River At Metropolis.
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 Ohio River At Metropolis in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Ohio River At Metropolis crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Ohio River At Metropolis
Where does the streamflow data for Ohio River At Metropolis come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03611500. 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 Ohio River At Metropolis 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 Ohio River At Metropolis report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
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- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app