Congaree River At Columbia flow report
As of July 16, 2026, Congaree River At Columbia is flowing at 5,820 cfs with a gage height of 4.35 ft, rising 40% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #02169500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Congaree River At Columbia at a glance
How Congaree River At Columbia is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Congaree River At Columbia is flowing at 5,820 cfs, with the water sitting 4.35 ft at the gage. Flow is up 40% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #02169500 in South Carolina. Over the past 10 days the average has been 2,576 cfs, peaking at 5,820 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the South Carolina flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #02169500).
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, Congaree River At Columbia is expected to recede from today's 4150 cfs, toward roughly 3486 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 1732-7020 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.
| 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.
Congaree River At Columbia
The river is primarily fed by precipitation, but alongside that, it receives inflow from several tributaries, including the Saluda and Broad rivers. The Lake Murray Dam also affects the flow of the river. During the summer, the river experiences a decrease in water level due to low rainfall. However, in the winter, the river's flow can increase due to higher precipitation. Interestingly, the Congaree River has a unique ecosystem within Congaree National Park, serving as a habitat for several endangered species. This stream gauge is essential in tracking the water levels of the Congaree River and helping ensure its sustainability.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Congaree River At Columbia's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Congaree River At Columbia | 5,820 cfs |
| Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia | 2 cfs |
| Saluda River Near Columbia | 861 cfs |
| Gills Creek At Columbia | 59 cfs |
| Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia | 770 cfs |
| Broad River At Alston | 4,710 cfs |
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 Congaree River At Columbia in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Congaree River At Columbia crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Congaree River At Columbia
Where does the streamflow data for Congaree River At Columbia come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 02169500. 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 Congaree River At Columbia 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 Congaree River At Columbia report
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