South River Near Waynesboro flow report
As of July 15, 2026, South River Near Waynesboro is flowing at 31 cfs with a gage height of 2.40 ft, receding 14% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #01626000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
South River Near Waynesboro at a glance
How South River Near Waynesboro is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
South River Near Waynesboro is flowing at 31 cfs, with the water sitting 2.40 ft at the gage. Flow is down 14% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #01626000 in Virginia. Over the past 10 days the average has been 35 cfs, peaking at 58 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Virginia flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #01626000).
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, South River Near Waynesboro is expected to hold near today's 31 cfs, toward roughly 30 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 20-44 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.
South River Near Waynesboro
This river is a part of the larger Shenandoah River watershed and is fed by several smaller tributaries, including the Middle River and Christians Creek. There are several dams along the river's length, including the Waynesboro Water Treatment Plant Dam. The river experiences seasonal fluctuations in flow with the highest flows occurring in the spring and summer months. In addition to being an important source of drinking water for the area, the South River is also a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing and kayaking. Additionally, the river has a history of pollution due to industrial activities and efforts have been made to restore its water quality.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check South River Near Waynesboro's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| South River Near Waynesboro | 31 cfs |
| South River Near Dooms | 46 cfs |
| South River At Harriston | 73 cfs |
| Rockfish River Near Greenfield | 20 cfs |
| Middle River Near Grottoes | 136 cfs |
| Mechums River Near White Hall | 9 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near South River Near Waynesboro. 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 |
|---|---|
| Charlottesville 2w Coop | 0 in |
| Dale Enterprise Coop | 0 in |
| Buena Vista | 0 in |
| Millboro 0.3 Nw | 0 in |
| Glasgow 1 Se | 0 in |
| Buckingham | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of South River Near Waynesboro.
Boat launches
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River runs
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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 South River Near Waynesboro in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when South River Near Waynesboro crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About South River Near Waynesboro
Where does the streamflow data for South River Near Waynesboro come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 01626000. 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 South River Near Waynesboro 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 South River Near Waynesboro report
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