CARSON RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 21, 2024
38.99, -119.82


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Carson River was last observed at 138 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 274 acre-ft of water today; about 36% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 388 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2023-03-13 when daily discharge volume was observed at 20,970 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Carson River Near Carson City reporting a streamflow rate of 138 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Carson River At Dayton with a gauge stage of 16.13 ft. This river is monitored from 6 different streamgauging stations along the Carson River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 4,636 ft, the Carson River Near Carson City.

The Carson River is a 131-mile-long river that flows through Nevada and California. It has a long history, as it was an important water source for indigenous peoples and played a role in the California Gold Rush. The river is fed by several tributaries and is divided into three main sections: the East Fork, the Middle Fork, and the West Fork. There are several dams and reservoirs along the river, including Lahontan Reservoir, which is used for irrigation and recreation. The river is also used for agricultural purposes, with crops such as alfalfa and wheat being grown in the surrounding areas. Recreation opportunities include fishing, boating, and camping. The Carson River has also been the subject of restoration efforts to improve habitat for fish and wildlife.

Last Updated 2024-12-21
Discharge Volume 274 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 138.0 cfs
+5.0 cfs (+3.76%)
Percent of Normal 35.6%
Maximum 20,970.0 cfs
2023-03-13
Seasonal Avg 388 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Carson River Near Carson City
USGS 10311000
138 cfs 2.28 ft 3.76
Carson River At Deer Run Road Near Carson City
USGS 10311400
138 cfs 3.95 ft -21.14
Carson River At Dayton
USGS 10311700
122 cfs 16.13 ft -7.58
Carson River Near Fort Churchill
USGS 10312000
116 cfs 2.18 ft -2.52
Carson River Blw Lahontan Reservoir Nr Fallon
USGS 10312150
2 cfs 2.34 ft 0
Carson River At Tarzyn Road Nr Fallon
USGS 10312275
17 cfs 2.16 ft 1.16
History of the River

The Carson River is a northwestern Nevada river that empties into the Carson Sink, an endorheic basin. The main stem of the river is 131 miles (211 km) long although addition of the East Fork makes the total length 205 miles (330 km), traversing five counties: Alpine County in California and Douglas, Storey, Lyon, and Churchill Counties in Nevada, as well as the Consolidated Municipality of Carson City, Nevada. The river is named for Kit Carson, who guided John C. Frémont's expedition westward up the Carson Valley and across Carson Pass in winter, 1844.

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