Paw Paw River At Riverside Flow Report
As of July 21, 2026, Paw Paw River At Riverside is flowing at 332 cfs with a gage height of 5.95 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #04102500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Paw Paw River At Riverside at a glance
How Paw Paw River At Riverside is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Paw Paw River At Riverside is flowing at 332 cfs, with the water sitting 5.95 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #04102500 in Michigan. Over the past 10 days the average has been 437 cfs, peaking at 760 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Michigan flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #04102500).
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, Paw Paw River At Riverside is expected to hold near today's 335 cfs, toward roughly 319 cfs by 2026-07-25 (likely range 226-450 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
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.
Paw Paw River At Riverside
The primary flow provider of the river is from precipitation, which is supplemented by surface water runoff. There are no significant tributaries or dams associated with the river. The river experiences seasonal trends with higher flows during the spring and fall and lower flows during the summer and winter. Interesting facts about the hydrology of the Paw Paw River include its history of being a significant transportation route for Native Americans, European colonizers, and fur traders. Additionally, the river is home to a diverse range of aquatic life, including various fish, mussels, and crayfish species.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Paw Paw River At Riverside's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Paw Paw River At Riverside | 332 cfs |
| South Branch Black River Near Bangor | 36 cfs |
| Dowagiac River At Sumnerville | 242 cfs |
| Galien River Near Sawyer | 40 cfs |
| St. Joseph River At Niles | 2,730 cfs |
| Juday Creek Near South Bend | 31 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Paw Paw River At Riverside. 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 |
|---|---|
| Stevensville 1.7 Sse | 0 in |
| Niles 2.7 W | 0 in |
| Bloomingdale | 0 in |
| Buchanan 1.4 Ese | 0 in |
| Paw Paw 2.0 Ne | 0 in |
| Paw Paw 3.6 Nne | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Paw Paw River At Riverside.
Boat launches
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 Paw Paw River At Riverside in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Paw Paw River At Riverside crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Paw Paw River At Riverside
Where does the streamflow data for Paw Paw River At Riverside come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 04102500. 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 Paw Paw River At Riverside 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 Paw Paw River At Riverside 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