Red Flag Warning
2026-03-05T18:00:00-07:00

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 241, 246 and 247. * TIMING...From noon to 6 PM MST Thursday. * WINDS...South 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 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.


CARMEL RIVER

Last Updated: March 4, 2026

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 2 streamgages of the Carmel River


Summary

Total streamflow across the Carmel River was last observed at 459 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 910 acre-ft of water today; about 100% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 457 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2023-03-11 when daily discharge volume was observed at 6,270 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Carmel R Nr Carmel Ca reporting a streamflow rate of 245 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Carmel River, with a gauge stage of 4.04 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Carmel River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 272 ft, the Carmel R A Robles Del Rio Ca.




15-Day Weather Outlook


River Details

Last Updated 2026-03-04
Discharge Volume 910 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 459.0 cfs
+193.0 cfs (+72.56%)
Percent of Normal 100.4%
Maximum 6,270.0 cfs
2023-03-11
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Carmel R A Robles Del Rio Ca
USGS 11143200
214 cfs 3.14 ft -19.55
Carmel R Nr Carmel Ca
USGS 11143250
245 cfs 4.04 ft 3.38
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The river has a rich history dating back thousands of years, as it was used by the Esselen and Rumsen tribes for fishing and gathering. The river's hydrology has been significantly altered by the construction of several dams and reservoirs, including the San Clemente and Los Padres Dams. These reservoirs provide water for agricultural and municipal use, and also serve as recreational areas for fishing, boating, and hiking. The Carmel River is a vital resource for the surrounding communities, and efforts have been made to protect and restore its natural flow and ecosystem.