Red Flag Warning
2025-12-17T18:00:00-07:00

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 241, 242, 243, 245 and 246. * TIMING...Until 6 PM MST this evening. * WINDS...West 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 16 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.


BUFFALO RIVER

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

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


Summary

Total streamflow across the Buffalo River was last observed at 1,036 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 2,055 acre-ft of water today; about 96% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,075 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 453 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Buffalo River Nr Woodville with a gauge stage of 3.87 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.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-17
Discharge Volume 2,055 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,036.3 cfs
-27.3 cfs (-2.57%)
Percent of Normal 96.42%
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
17 cfs 1.86 ft -3.35
Buffalo River Near Hawley
USGS 05061000
24 cfs 3.52 ft 2.95
Buffalo River Near Dilworth
USGS 05062000
84 cfs 3.73 ft 38.2
Buffalo River Near St. Joe
USGS 07056000
109 cfs 3.25 ft -2.68
Buffalo River Near Flat Woods
USGS 03604000
279 cfs 2.44 ft -2.79
Buffalo River Near Harriet
USGS 07056700
132 cfs 3.39 ft -1.49
Buffalo River Below Lobelville
USGS 03604400
453 cfs 3.71 ft -2.37
Buffalo River Nr Woodville
USGS 07295000
46 cfs 3.87 ft -5.54
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.