Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus Flow Report
As of July 17, 2026, Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus is flowing at 112 cfs with a gage height of 710.91 ft, receding 40% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03227107, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus at a glance
How Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus is flowing at 112 cfs, with the water sitting 710.91 ft at the gage. Flow is down 40% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #03227107 in Ohio. Over the past 10 days the average has been 332 cfs, peaking at 1,370 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Ohio flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #03227107).
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, Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus Oh is expected to recede from today's 112 cfs, toward roughly 93 cfs by 2026-07-21 (likely range 29-299 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.
Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus
The river is a tributary of the Scioto River and is fed by several smaller streams. The river experiences seasonal fluctuations in flow due to precipitation and snowmelt. There are several dams on the river which regulate the flow and provide recreational opportunities. One interesting fact about the hydrology of the Olentangy River is that it was once heavily polluted but has since been restored, making it a popular spot for kayaking and fishing. Overall, the stream gauge at J H Herrick Dr provides valuable information about the health and management of the Olentangy River.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus Oh | 112 cfs |
| Scioto River At 5th Ave At Columbus Oh | 172 cfs |
| Scioto River At Columbus Oh | 312 cfs |
| Olentangy River Near Worthington Oh | 93 cfs |
| Big Walnut Creek At Rees Oh | 148 cfs |
| Big Walnut Creek At Central College Oh | 165 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus. 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 |
|---|---|
| Columbus Wcmh | 0 in |
| John Glenn Columbus Intl Ap | 0 in |
| Circleville | 0 in |
| Centerburg | 0 in |
| Chillicothe 6 Nw | 0 in |
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 Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus
Where does the streamflow data for Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03227107. 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 Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus 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 Olentangy River At J H Herrick Dr At Columbus report
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