BLACKWATER RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 7, 2025
30.64, -87.70


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Blackwater River was last observed at 1,078 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 2,138 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 2,727 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2013-06-04 when daily discharge volume was observed at 22,386 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Blackwater R At Davis reporting a streamflow rate of 543 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Blackwater River Near Dendron with a gauge stage of 33.46 ft. This river is monitored from 9 different streamgauging stations along the Blackwater River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 3,138 ft, the Blackwater R Nr Davis.

The Blackwater River is a 65-mile-long river located in West Virginia. It is known for its clear waters, scenic beauty, and recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and camping. The river was named for its dark color, which is caused by tannins from the surrounding forests. The river has a significant history, as it was used by Native Americans for transportation and fishing. It was also used during the logging era to transport logs downstream. The Blackwater River has several tributaries and is fed by several reservoirs, including the Jennings Randolph Lake and the Mount Storm Lake. These reservoirs provide hydroelectric power and water for agricultural and recreational use. The river is also home to a variety of fish species, including trout and bass, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Last Updated 2025-02-07
Discharge Volume 2,138 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,078.0 cfs
+535.0 cfs (+98.53%)
Percent of Normal 39.53%
Maximum 22,386.0 cfs
2013-06-04
Seasonal Avg 2,727 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Blackwater R Nr Davis
USGS 03065400
132 cfs 1.81 ft
Blackwater R At Davis
USGS 03066000
543 cfs 3.81 ft -23.84
Blackwater River Near Rocky Mount
USGS 02056900
135 cfs 2.43 ft -8.26
Blackwater River At Blue Lick
USGS 06908000
62 cfs 7.99 ft -54.82
Blackwater River Near Webster
USGS 01087000
19 cfs 1.91 ft
Blackwater River Near Bradley Al
USGS 02369800
57 cfs 1 ft -3.4
Blackwater River Nr Baker
USGS 02370000
173 cfs 1.73 ft -4.42
Blackwater River Near Dendron
USGS 02047500
413 cfs 33.46 ft 2.69
Blackwater River Near Franklin
USGS 02049500
530 cfs 5.61 ft 1.2
History of the River

A blackwater river is a type of river with a slow-moving channel flowing through forested swamps or wetlands. As vegetation decays, tannins leach into the water, making a transparent, acidic water that is darkly stained, resembling tea. Most major blackwater rivers are in the Amazon Basin and the Southern United States. The term is used in fluvial studies, geology, geography, ecology, and biology. Not all dark rivers are blackwater in that technical sense. Some rivers in temperate regions, which drain or flow through areas of dark black loam, are simply black due to the color of the soil; these rivers are black mud rivers. There are also black mud estuaries.
Blackwater rivers are lower in nutrients than whitewater rivers and have ionic concentrations higher than rainwater. The unique conditions lead to flora and fauna that differ from both whitewater and clearwater rivers. The classification of Amazonian rivers into black, clear, and whitewater was first proposed by Alfred Russel Wallace in 1853 based on water colour, but the types were more clearly defined by chemistry and physics by Harald Sioli (de) from the 1950s to the 1980s. Although many Amazonian rivers fall clearly into one of these categories, others show a mix of characteristics and may vary depending on season and flood levels.

       

Get Unparalelled Insights

Explore the 3D Map


Weather Forecast