Cahaba River River Levels

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

The Cahaba River flows through central Alabama and is approximately 194 miles in length.


Summary

Total streamflow across the Cahaba River was last observed at 1,476 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 2,928 acre-ft of water today; about 47% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 3,120 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2014-04-08 when daily discharge volume was observed at 130,420 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Cahaba River Near Marion Junction Al reporting a streamflow rate of 773 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Cahaba River, with a gauge stage of 2.76 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 9 different streamgauging stations along the Cahaba River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 679 ft, the Cahaba River At Trussville.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-04
Discharge Volume 2,928 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,476.3 cfs
-55.82 cfs (-3.64%)
Percent of Normal 47.32%
Maximum 130,420.0 cfs
2014-04-08
Seasonal Avg 3,120 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Cahaba River At Trussville
USGS 02423130
3 cfs 1.78 ft -7.53
Cahaba River Near Mountain Brook Al
USGS 02423380
33 cfs 0.68 ft -3.53
Cahaba River Near Hoover
USGS 02423496
19 cfs 2.68 ft -30.55
Cahaba River Near Cahaba Heights Al
USGS 02423425
13 cfs 1.43 ft -46.31
Cahaba River Near Helena Al
USGS 02423555
75 cfs 1.47 ft -17.84
Cahaba River Near Acton Al
USGS 02423500
39 cfs 2 ft -12.36
Cahaba River Near West Blocton Al
USGS 02423647
156 cfs 2.15 ft 0
Cahaba River At Centreville Al
USGS 02424000
366 cfs 1.12 ft 0.83
Cahaba River Near Marion Junction Al
USGS 02425000
773 cfs 2.76 ft -2.03
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Cahaba River is the longest substantially free-flowing river in Alabama and is among the most scenic and biologically diverse rivers in the United States. It is a major tributary of the Alabama River and part of the larger Mobile River basin. With headwaters near Birmingham, the Cahaba flows southwest, then at Heiberger turns southeast and joins the Alabama River at the ghost town and former Alabama capital of Cahaba in Dallas County. Entirely within central Alabama, the Cahaba River is 194 miles (312 km) long and drains an area of 1,870 square miles (4,800 km2).