Russell Fork At Haysi flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Russell Fork At Haysi is flowing at 467 cfs with a gage height of 2.39 ft, rising 14% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03208500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Russell Fork At Haysi at a glance
How Russell Fork At Haysi is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Russell Fork At Haysi is flowing at 467 cfs, with the water sitting 2.39 ft at the gage. Flow is up 14% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #03208500 in Virginia.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Virginia flow report.
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.
Russell Fork At Haysi
There are no major dams on the river, but it does have a history of small-scale mining operations that have impacted water quality. Seasonally, the river experiences higher flows in the fall due to increased precipitation and dam releases from the John Flannagan Dam. The river is known for its challenging rapids and is a popular destination for whitewater kayaking and rafting enthusiasts. Furthermore, the river is home to several endangered species of mussels and fish, making it an important conservation area.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Russell Fork At Haysi's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Russell Fork At Haysi | 467 cfs |
| Russell Fork At Bartlick | 1,060 cfs |
| Pound River Below Flannagan Dam Near Haysi | 26 cfs |
| Cranes Nest River Near Clintwood | 28 cfs |
| Levisa Fork At Big Rock | 216 cfs |
| Grapevine Creek Near Phyllis | 10 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Russell Fork At Haysi. 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 |
|---|---|
| Clintwood | 0 in |
| Nora 4 Sse | 0 in |
| Fedscreek | 2 in |
| Whitesburg | 0 in |
| Carr Fork Lake | 0 in |
| Abingdon 3s | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Russell Fork At Haysi.
Boat launches
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Nearby fishing
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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 Russell Fork At Haysi in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Russell Fork At Haysi crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Russell Fork At Haysi
Where does the streamflow data for Russell Fork At Haysi come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03208500. 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 Russell Fork At Haysi 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 Russell Fork At Haysi report
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