South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns flow report
As of July 16, 2026, South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns is flowing at 197 cfs with a gage height of 4.45 ft, rising 34% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03410500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns at a glance
How South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns is flowing at 197 cfs, with the water sitting 4.45 ft at the gage. Flow is up 34% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #03410500 in Kentucky.
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 #03410500).
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.
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.
South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns
The primary constituents of the river are sediment and nutrients, which can have negative impacts on water quality. The river has several tributaries, including White Oak Creek and Bear Creek, and is impounded by the Wolf Creek Dam. Seasonal trends show higher flow during the winter and spring, while summer and fall see lower flows. Interestingly, the river has a history of flooding, with the most severe flood occurring in 1977. Overall, the South Fork Cumberland River is an important hydrological feature in the region, with significant impacts on water quality and flooding patterns.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns | 197 cfs |
| South Fk Cumberland River At Leatherwood Ford | 1,040 cfs |
| New River At New River | 260 cfs |
| Clear Fork Near Robbins | 317 cfs |
| Cumberland River At Cumberland Falls | 2,770 cfs |
| Cumberland River At Williamsburg | 2,030 cfs |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns.
Boat launches
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Nearby fishing
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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 South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns
Where does the streamflow data for South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03410500. 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 South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns 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 South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns report
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