North Branch Potomac River At Barnum flow report
As of July 15, 2026, North Branch Potomac River At Barnum is flowing at 305 cfs with a gage height of 3.16 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #01595800, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
North Branch Potomac River At Barnum at a glance
How North Branch Potomac River At Barnum is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
North Branch Potomac River At Barnum is flowing at 305 cfs, with the water sitting 3.16 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #01595800 in West Virginia. Over the past 10 days the average has been 301 cfs, peaking at 305 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the West Virginia flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #01595800).
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, North Branch Potomac River At Barnum is expected to hold near today's 305 cfs, toward roughly 286 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 245-335 cfs) -- about 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.
North Branch Potomac River At Barnum
The river experiences seasonal trends with higher flows in the spring due to snowmelt and rainfall, and lower flows in the summer and fall. The hydrology of the river is affected by the surrounding topography and land use, including agricultural practices and mining operations. Interestingly, the North Branch Potomac River was once home to a thriving log driving industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with logs floated downstream to sawmills in Cumberland, Maryland.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check North Branch Potomac River At Barnum's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| North Branch Potomac River At Barnum | 305 cfs |
| North Branch Potomac River At Luke | 372 cfs |
| Savage Riv Bl Savage Riv Dam Near Bloomington | 63 cfs |
| Crabtree Creek Near Swanton | 154 cfs |
| Georges Creek At Franklin | 19 cfs |
| North Branch Potomac River At Kitzmiller | 103 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near North Branch Potomac River At Barnum. 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 |
|---|---|
| Savage Dam | 0 in |
| Keyser 2 Ssw Coop | 0 in |
| Mc Henry 4.8 Sse | 0 in |
| Grantsville 2.0 Ese | 0 in |
| Sines Deep Creek Lake | 0 in |
| Frostburg 2 Coop | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of North Branch Potomac River At Barnum.
Nearby reservoirs
See all →
Boat launches
See all →
River runs
See all →
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 North Branch Potomac River At Barnum in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when North Branch Potomac River At Barnum crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About North Branch Potomac River At Barnum
Where does the streamflow data for North Branch Potomac River At Barnum come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 01595800. 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 North Branch Potomac River At Barnum 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 North Branch Potomac River At Barnum report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
- Flow alerts — get pinged the moment this river hits your range
- Save favorites — every river, lake & snowpack in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app