Summary
Total streamflow across the
Buffalo River
was last observed at
1,548
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
3,070
acre-ft of water today; about 58%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
2,659 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 614 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Buffalo River, with a gauge stage of
4.14 ft at this location.
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.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-04 |
| Discharge Volume | 3,070 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
1,547.9 cfs
+17.8 cfs (+1.16%) |
| Percent of Normal | 58.22% |
| Maximum |
143,570.0 cfs
2025-04-06 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Buffalo River Near Boxley
USGS 07055646 |
55 cfs | 2.18 ft | -8.65 | |||||
|
Buffalo River Near Hawley
USGS 05061000 |
24 cfs | 3.28 ft | 2.95 | |||||
|
Buffalo River Near Dilworth
USGS 05062000 |
84 cfs | 3.9 ft | 38.2 | |||||
|
Buffalo River Near St. Joe
USGS 07056000 |
222 cfs | 3.6 ft | -1.77 | |||||
|
Buffalo River Near Flat Woods
USGS 03604000 |
460 cfs | 2.84 ft | 9.26 | |||||
|
Buffalo River Near Harriet
USGS 07056700 |
197 cfs | 3.67 ft | -3.9 | |||||
|
Buffalo River Below Lobelville
USGS 03604400 |
614 cfs | 4.14 ft | -0.65 | |||||
|
Buffalo River Nr Woodville
USGS 07295000 |
40 cfs | 3.79 ft | -3.59 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
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.