Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg flow report
As of July 16, 2026, Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg is flowing at 2,250 cfs with a gage height of 10.78 ft, receding 36% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03282000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg at a glance
How Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg is flowing at 2,250 cfs, with the water sitting 10.78 ft at the gage. Flow is down 36% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #03282000 in Kentucky. Over the past 10 days the average has been 1,858 cfs, peaking at 4,340 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 #03282000).
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 14 At Heidelberg is expected to recede from today's 2250 cfs, toward roughly 1599 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 625-4094 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 14 At Heidelberg
The main constituents of the river's flow are precipitation, groundwater, and surface runoff. The river is fed by several tributaries, including Dix River, Benson Creek, and Strodes Creek. The Lock and Dam System on the river, including Lock 14, was built in the early 20th century to improve navigation and increase access to the river for transportation. The river's flow shows seasonal trends, with peak flow occurring in the spring due to snowmelt and increased precipitation. Interestingly, the Kentucky River is one of the few rivers in the world to flow northward.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg | 2,250 cfs |
| Sturgeon Creek At Cressmont | 48 cfs |
| South Fork Kentucky River At Booneville | 552 cfs |
| Middle Fork Kentucky River At Tallega | 147 cfs |
| Kentucky River At Lock 12 Near Irvine | 0 cfs |
| North Fork Kentucky River At Jackson | 497 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg. 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 |
|---|---|
| Beattyville 4n | 0 in |
| Booneville 12sw | 0 in |
| Clover Bottom 1 Wsw | 0 in |
| Water Works-Kentucky #4 | 0 in |
| Cressy | 0 in |
| Jackson | 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 14 At Heidelberg 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 14 At Heidelberg crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg
Where does the streamflow data for Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03282000. 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 14 At Heidelberg 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 14 At Heidelberg report
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