CARSON RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 8, 2025


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Carson River was last observed at 1,302 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 2,582 acre-ft of water today; about 209% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 622 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 At Dayton reporting a streamflow rate of 482 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Carson River, with a gauge stage of 17.04 ft at this location. 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 2025-02-06
Discharge Volume 2,582 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,302.0 cfs
+26.0 cfs (+2.04%)
Percent of Normal 209.44%
Maximum 20,970.0 cfs
2023-03-13
Seasonal Avg 622 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
346 cfs 2.95 ft 28.62
Carson River At Deer Run Road Near Carson City
USGS 10311400
474 cfs 5.37 ft 44.95
Carson River At Dayton
USGS 10311700
482 cfs 17.04 ft 39.31
Carson River Near Fort Churchill
USGS 10312000
304 cfs 2.71 ft -8.98
Carson River Blw Lahontan Reservoir Nr Fallon
USGS 10312150
2 cfs 2.29 ft -4.24
Carson River At Tarzyn Road Nr Fallon
USGS 10312275
9 cfs 1.85 ft 1.98
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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