Chariton River River Levels

Total streamflow across the Chariton River was last observed at 314 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 622 acre-ft of water today; about 17% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,802 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-05-30 when daily discharge volume was observed at 87,950 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Chariton River Near Prairie Hill reporting a streamflow rate of 185 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Chariton River Near Moulton with a gauge stage of 18.66 ft. This river is monitored from 6 different streamgauging stations along the Chariton River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 968 ft, the Chariton River Near Chariton.

Historically, the river was used for transportation of goods and people, and was a major source of water for towns along its banks. The river has been dammed in several places to create reservoirs for flood control and recreation, including the Rathbun Lake, which is the largest lake in Iowa. The Chariton River is also an important source of water for agriculture, with irrigation systems drawing from the river to supply crops. Recreational activities on the river include boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. The hydrology of the river fluctuates seasonally, with high flows occurring in spring and low flows in summer.