North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland flow report
As of July 15, 2026, North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland is flowing at 484 cfs with a gage height of 2.66 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #01603000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland at a glance
How North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland is flowing at 484 cfs, with the water sitting 2.66 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #01603000 in Maryland. Over the past 10 days the average has been 716 cfs, peaking at 1,530 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Maryland flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland is expected to hold near today's 484 cfs, toward roughly 445 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 324-613 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.
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.
North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland
The region contains several small dams that contribute to stream flow regulation. The river flow is seasonal, with highest flows occurring during the spring and lowest during the summer months. The river system is home to several species of fish, including brown trout and smallmouth bass. Interestingly, the area around the river was used to manufacture munitions during World War II, and some of the pollutants from that era remain in the river sediment.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland | 484 cfs |
| Wills Creek Near Cumberland | 76 cfs |
| Town Creek Near Oldtown | 33 cfs |
| Patterson Creek Near Headsville | 47 cfs |
| Wills Creek Below Hyndman | 38 cfs |
| South Branch Potomac River Near Springfield | 663 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland. 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 |
|---|---|
| Cumberland 2 Coop | 0 in |
| Frostburg 2 Coop | 0 in |
| Frostburg 1 Nnw | 1 in |
| Glencoe | 0 in |
| Keyser 2 Ssw Coop | 0 in |
| Grantsville 2.0 Ese | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland.
Nearby reservoirs
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Boat launches
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River runs
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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 North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland
Where does the streamflow data for North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 01603000. 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 North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland 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 North Branch Potomac River Near Cumberland report
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