BUFFALO RIVER

Last Updated: May 3, 2026

Total streamflow across the Buffalo River was last observed at 4,422 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 8,771 acre-ft of water today; about 54% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 8,206 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2025-04-06 when daily discharge volume was observed at 143,570 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Buffalo River Below Lobelville reporting a streamflow rate of 1,200 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Buffalo River Near Dilworth with a gauge stage of 6.45 ft. This river is monitored from 8 different streamgauging stations along the Buffalo River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,131 ft, the Buffalo River Near Boxley.

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 8 streamgages of the Buffalo River


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-05-03
Discharge Volume 8,771 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 4,422.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -3149.0 cfs (-41.59%)
Percent of Normal 53.89%
Maximum 143,570.0 cfs
2025-04-06
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
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Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Buffalo River Near Boxley
USGS 07055646 		104 cfs 2.54 ft -20
Buffalo River Near Hawley
USGS 05061000 		92 cfs 3.93 ft -9.41
Buffalo River Near Dilworth
USGS 05062000 		341 cfs 6.45 ft -11.43
Buffalo River Near St. Joe
USGS 07056000 		812 cfs 4.98 ft -23.4
Buffalo River Near Flat Woods
USGS 03604000 		696 cfs 3.46 ft -22.32
Buffalo River Near Harriet
USGS 07056700 		1070 cfs 4.94 ft -23.57
Buffalo River Below Lobelville
USGS 03604400 		1200 cfs 5.25 ft -23.57
Buffalo River Nr Woodville
USGS 07295000 		199 cfs 4.89 ft -90.66
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
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Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

It was designated as America's first national river in 1972. The river was once used as a major transportation route for timber and agricultural products in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The hydrology of the river is fed by many springs and tributaries, and it eventually flows into the White River. There are two reservoirs located along the Buffalo River: the Buffalo National River Reservoir and the Bull Shoals Lake Reservoir. The Buffalo National River Reservoir was created by the construction of the Buffalo Point Dam and serves as a popular recreational area for activities such as kayaking, fishing, and camping. The Bull Shoals Lake Reservoir is a much larger reservoir and is primarily used for flood control and electricity generation. The Buffalo River also supports a variety of agriculture, including cattle farming and timber harvesting.

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