CEDAR RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 23,320 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 11,757.0 cfs
+540.0 cfs (+4.81%)
Percent of Normal 77.85%
Maximum 294,406.0 cfs
2016-09-25
Seasonal Avg 15,101 cfs

Total streamflow across the Cedar River was last observed at 11,757 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 23,320 acre-ft of water today; about 78% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 15,101 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2016-09-25 when daily discharge volume was observed at 294,406 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Cedar River Near Conesville reporting a streamflow rate of 3,250 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Cedar River At Cedar Falls with a gauge stage of 78.70 ft. This river is monitored from 15 different streamgauging stations along the Cedar River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,911 ft, the Cedar River Below Bear Creek Near Cedar Falls.

The Cedar River is a 338-mile long river located in the north-central part of the United States, primarily in the state of Iowa. It flows from its headwaters in Dodge County, Minnesota, through southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, before emptying into the Iowa River near Columbus Junction. The Cedar River is a principal tributary of the Iowa River and a significant source of water for the region. It has been used for agricultural irrigation and drinking water for many years. The river is also home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Cedar River Reservoir, which was created by the construction of the Cedar River Dam in the early 20th century. The Cedar River is popular for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Cedar River Below Bear Creek Near Cedar Falls
USGS 12114500
185 cfs 2.36 ft -18.14
Cedar River Near Cedar Falls
USGS 12115000
248 cfs 3.67 ft -22.03
Cedar River Near Austin
USGS 05457000
225 cfs 3.38 ft 20.81
Cedar River At Charles City
USGS 05457700
427 cfs 2.57 ft 7.84
Cedar River At Powerplant At Cedar Falls
USGS 12116400
193 cfs 32.66 ft -7.66
Cedar River At Cedar Falls
USGS 12116500
275 cfs 6.22 ft 26.87
Cedar River At Waverly
USGS 05458300
455 cfs 5.01 ft 23.06
Cedar River At Janesville
USGS 05458500
519 cfs 1.39 ft 21.89
Cedar River At Cedar Falls
USGS 05463050
1340 cfs 78.70 ft -7.14
Cedar River At Waterloo
USGS 05464000
1430 cfs 5.74 ft -3.15
Cedar River At Cedar Rapids
USGS 05464500
2440 cfs 3.73 ft 3.24
Cedar River Near Conesville
USGS 05465000
3250 cfs 6.2 ft 2.46
Cedar River Near Landsburg
USGS 12117500
657 cfs 1.89 ft 1.84
Cedar River Below Diversion Near Landsburg
USGS 12117600
544 cfs 3.81 ft -2.91
Cedar River At Renton
USGS 12119000
639 cfs 8.82 ft -13.08
History of the River

The Cedar River is a 338-mile-long (544 km) river in Minnesota and Iowa. It is a tributary of the Iowa River, which flows to the Mississippi River. The Cedar River takes its name from the red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) trees growing there, and was originally called the Red Cedar River by the Meskwaki. The first Mississippi steamboat reached Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1844, and during the next decade, the Red Cedar (as it was still called) was an important commercial waterway. The surrounding region is known officially as the Cedar River Valley, though it is more commonly referred to simply as the Cedar Valley.

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Watershed River Levels

5750

Cubic Feet Per Second

134

Cubic Feet Per Second

1690

Cubic Feet Per Second

99

Cubic Feet Per Second