Mad River Near Dayton flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Mad River Near Dayton is flowing at 421 cfs with a gage height of 2.82 ft, receding 12% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03270000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Mad River Near Dayton at a glance
How Mad River Near Dayton is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Mad River Near Dayton is flowing at 421 cfs, with the water sitting 2.82 ft at the gage. Flow is down 12% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #03270000 in Ohio. Over the past 10 days the average has been 481 cfs, peaking at 759 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Ohio flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Mad River Near Dayton Oh is expected to hold near today's 421 cfs, toward roughly 401 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 196-821 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.
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.
Mad River Near Dayton
The river is fed by numerous small tributaries, and its flow can be impacted by several dams located upstream. During the summer months, the river's flow tends to decrease due to lower precipitation levels and increased evaporation rates. Interestingly, the Mad River is known for its unique hydrology, including its tendency to experience flash floods and high water levels during heavy rain events. Additionally, the river supports a diverse array of plant and animal life, including several species of fish and birds.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Mad River Near Dayton's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Mad River Near Dayton Oh | 421 cfs |
| Great Miami River At Dayton Oh | 1,340 cfs |
| Great Miami River At Taylorsville Oh | 567 cfs |
| Wolf Creek At Dayton Oh | 22 cfs |
| Little Miami River Near Oldtown Oh | 96 cfs |
| Holes Creek Near Kettering Oh | 8 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Mad River Near Dayton. 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 |
|---|---|
| New Lebanon 0.6 Sse | 0 in |
| Farmersville 1.7 E | 0 in |
| Wfo Wilmington | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Mad River Near Dayton.
Boat launches
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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 Mad River Near Dayton in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Mad River Near Dayton crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Mad River Near Dayton
Where does the streamflow data for Mad River Near Dayton come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03270000. 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 Mad River Near Dayton 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 Mad River Near Dayton report
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