Bourbeuse River River Levels

Total streamflow across the Bourbeuse River was last observed at 73 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 145 acre-ft of water today; about 37% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 196 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2015-12-30 when daily discharge volume was observed at 63,801 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Bourbeuse River At Union reporting a streamflow rate of 70.5 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Bourbeuse River Near High Gate with a gauge stage of 3.22 ft. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Bourbeuse River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 815 ft, the Bourbeuse River Near High Gate.

It is a tributary of the Meramec River and flows through several counties, including Gasconade, Crawford, Franklin, and Phelps. The river was named after the French word "bourbeux," which means muddy, due to its silt-laden waters. The river was an important transportation route in the 19th century, with steamboats traveling up and down the river. Today, the river is used for recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, and camping, and is also used for agricultural purposes. The river has several reservoirs and dams, including the Union and Meramec Dams, which provide hydroelectric power and help regulate the river flow. Despite several efforts to improve water quality, the river still faces challenges from pollution and sedimentation.