Iowa River At Iowa City Flow Report
As of July 17, 2026, Iowa River At Iowa City is flowing at 3,250 cfs with a gage height of 12.79 ft, receding 17% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05454500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Iowa River At Iowa City at a glance
How Iowa River At Iowa City is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Iowa River At Iowa City is flowing at 3,250 cfs, with the water sitting 12.79 ft at the gage. Flow is down 17% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #05454500 in Iowa. Over the past 10 days the average has been 6,203 cfs, peaking at 7,470 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Iowa flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #05454500).
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, Iowa River At Iowa City is expected to recede from today's 3950 cfs, toward roughly 3246 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 1165-9046 cfs) -- drier than 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.
Iowa River At Iowa City
The river's flow is primarily dependent on precipitation and snowmelt, with agricultural and urban runoff contributing to its constituents. The Coralville Reservoir, located upstream, can impact the river's flow and water levels. Seasonally, the river experiences high flows in the spring due to snowmelt and occasional heavy rains. In the summer, the river's flow can be low due to drought conditions. The Iowa River has played an integral role in the history of Iowa City, serving as a source of transportation and commerce. The river has also experienced flooding in the past, leading to the implementation of flood mitigation measures.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Iowa River At Iowa City's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Iowa River At Iowa City | 3,250 cfs |
| Clear Creek Near Coralville | 42 cfs |
| Rapid Creek Near Iowa City | 10 cfs |
| Iowa River Below Coralville Dam Nr Coralville | 3,210 cfs |
| Old Mans Creek Near Iowa City | 115 cfs |
| Hoover Crk At Hoover Nat.Hist.Site West Branch | 2 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Iowa River At Iowa City. 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 |
|---|---|
| Coralville 1.4 S | 0 in |
| Iowa City | 0 in |
| Cedar Rapids 2.5 Wsw | 0 in |
| Fairfax 4.0 Nw | 0 in |
| Columbus Junct 1 N | 0 in |
| Cedar Rapids No 1 | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Iowa River At Iowa City.
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 Iowa River At Iowa City in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Iowa River At Iowa City crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Iowa River At Iowa City
Where does the streamflow data for Iowa River At Iowa City come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05454500. 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 Iowa River At Iowa City 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 Iowa River At Iowa City report
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