TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Altamaha River
was last observed at
17,200
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
34,116
acre-ft of water today; about 40%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
42,560 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2020-02-29 when daily discharge volume was observed at
186,000 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Altamaha River At Doctortown
reporting a streamflow rate of 9,620 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Altamaha River, with a gauge stage of
8.56 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Altamaha River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 72 ft, the
Altamaha River Near Baxley.
The Altamaha River is the second-largest river in Georgia, stretching over 137 miles from its headwaters in the Oconee and Ocmulgee River basins to the Atlantic Ocean. The river has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, and it played a significant role in the development of coastal Georgia. The Altamaha River basin is home to several dams, including the Bullard Creek Dam, the Griffin Reservoir Dam, and the Altamaha Plantation Dam. These dams provide hydroelectric power, irrigation water, and flood control to the region. The Altamaha River is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and boating. The river basin is also used for agricultural purposes, including dairy farming, aquaculture, and crop cultivation.
| Last Updated | 2025-01-11 |
| Discharge Volume | 34,116 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
17,200.0 cfs
-80.0 cfs (-0.46%) |
| Percent of Normal | 40.41% |
| Maximum |
186,000.0 cfs
2020-02-29 |
| Seasonal Avg | 42,560 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Altamaha River Near Baxley
USGS 02225000 |
7580 cfs | 7.16 ft | 5.57 | |||||
|
Altamaha River At Doctortown
USGS 02226000 |
9620 cfs | 8.56 ft | -4.75 |
History of the River
The Altamaha River is a major river in the U.S. state of Georgia. It flows generally eastward for 137 miles (220 km) from its origin at the confluence of the Oconee River and Ocmulgee River towards the Atlantic Ocean, where it empties into the ocean near Brunswick, Georgia. No dams are directly on the Altamaha, though some are on the Oconee and the Ocmulgee. Including its tributaries, the Altamaha River's drainage basin is about 14,000 square miles (36,000 km2) in size, qualifying it among the larger river basins of the US Atlantic coast.