Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam is flowing at 98 cfs with a gage height of 4.74 ft. Source: USGS gauge #03101500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam at a glance
How Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam is flowing at 98 cfs, with the water sitting 4.74 ft at the gage.
This is USGS gauge #03101500 in Pennsylvania. Over the past 10 days the average has been 100 cfs, peaking at 114 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Pennsylvania flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam is expected to rise from today's 98 cfs, toward roughly 109 cfs by 2026-07-18 (likely range 56-211 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.
Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam
The flow of the river is regulated by the Pymatuning Dam, which is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The river experiences seasonal fluctuations in flow, with higher levels in the spring due to snowmelt and rain, and lower levels in the summer and fall. The main constituents of the river include sediment, nutrients, and dissolved oxygen. The Shenango River is home to a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. Interesting facts about the hydrology of the river include its role in the transportation of coal during the Industrial Revolution and its designation as a National Water Trail in 2018.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam | 98 cfs |
| Little Shenango River At Greenville | 20 cfs |
| Shenango River Near Transfer | 187 cfs |
| Mosquito Creek Near Greene Center Oh | 0 cfs |
| Shenango River At Sharpsville | 230 cfs |
| French Creek At Meadville | 205 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam. 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 |
|---|---|
| Conneaut Lake 1.3 Wnw | 0 in |
| 1 Wnw Conneaut Lake Cocorahs (Pa-Cw-18) | 0 in |
| 1 Ne Cortland Cocorahs (Oh-Tr-13) | 0 in |
| Cortland 1.2 Ne | 0 in |
| 2 Ese Pierpont Trained Spotter (X4170805) | 2 in |
| Cortland Trained Spotter (X4130807) | 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 Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam
Where does the streamflow data for Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03101500. 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 Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam 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 Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam report
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