Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill Flow Report
As of July 17, 2026, Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill is flowing at 1,610 cfs with a gage height of 12.10 ft, receding 43% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03282290, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill at a glance
How Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill is flowing at 1,610 cfs, with the water sitting 12.10 ft at the gage. Flow is down 43% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #03282290 in Kentucky. Over the past 10 days the average has been 2,706 cfs, peaking at 5,560 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Kentucky flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #03282290).
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, Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill is expected to recede from today's 2870 cfs, toward roughly 1954 cfs by 2026-07-21 (likely range 767-4980 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.
Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill
The river is primarily fed by rainfall and tributaries such as the South Fork Kentucky River and the Middle Fork Kentucky River. There are several dams along the river, including Lock and Dam 11, which helps regulate the water flow. The river experiences seasonal trends with higher flows in the spring due to melting snow and increased rainfall. Interesting facts about the hydrology include that the Kentucky River is the longest river entirely contained within the state of Kentucky and was once a major trade route for goods.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill | 1,610 cfs |
| Red River At Clay City | 161 cfs |
| Kentucky River At Lock 12 Near Irvine | 0 cfs |
| Kentucky River At Lock 10 Near Winchester | 2,070 cfs |
| Kentucky River At Lock 9 At Valley View | 2,470 cfs |
| Slate Creek At Highway 713 Nr Mt. Sterling | 20 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill. 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 |
|---|---|
| Cressy | 0 in |
| Water Works-Kentucky #4 | 0 in |
| Clover Bottom 1 Wsw | 0 in |
| Mount Sterling | 0 in |
| Beattyville 4n | 0 in |
| Booneville 12sw | 0 in |
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 Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill
Where does the streamflow data for Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03282290. 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 Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill 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 Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill report
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