Cumberland River At Williamsburg Flow Report
As of July 20, 2026, Cumberland River At Williamsburg is flowing at 1,370 cfs with a gage height of 4.72 ft, rising 58% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03404000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Cumberland River At Williamsburg at a glance
How Cumberland River At Williamsburg is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Cumberland River At Williamsburg is flowing at 1,370 cfs, with the water sitting 4.72 ft at the gage. Flow is up 58% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #03404000 in Kentucky. Over the past 10 days the average has been 1,593 cfs, peaking at 4,190 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 #03404000).
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, Cumberland River At Williamsburg is expected to hold near today's 866 cfs, toward roughly 811 cfs by 2026-07-24 (likely range 303-2170 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.
Cumberland River At Williamsburg
The river's flow rate is influenced by several factors, including precipitation, snowmelt, and water releases from upstream dams. The river has several notable tributaries, including the Rockcastle River and the Laurel River. The river's flow rate varies throughout the year, with higher flow rates typically occurring during the spring and winter months. The Cumberland River has been used for hydroelectric power generation and transportation of goods throughout its history. Today, the river is popular for recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Cumberland River At Williamsburg's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Cumberland River At Williamsburg | 1,370 cfs |
| Clear Fork At Saxton | 1,190 cfs |
| Cumberland River At Cumberland Falls | 1,770 cfs |
| Lynn Camp Creek At Corbin | 21 cfs |
| South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns | 197 cfs |
| Rockcastle River At Billows | 274 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Cumberland River At Williamsburg. 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 |
|---|---|
| Booneville 12sw | 0 in |
| Harlan 3n | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Cumberland River At Williamsburg.
Boat launches
See all →
River runs
See all →
Nearby fishing
See all →
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 Cumberland River At Williamsburg in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Cumberland River At Williamsburg crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Cumberland River At Williamsburg
Where does the streamflow data for Cumberland River At Williamsburg come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03404000. 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 Cumberland River At Williamsburg 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 Cumberland River At Williamsburg report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
- Flow alerts — get pinged the moment this river hits your range
- Save favorites — every river, lake & snowpack in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app