Cheat River

Total streamflow across the Cheat River was last observed at 2,221 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 4,405 acre-ft of water today; about 28% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 7,887 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2021-03-01 when daily discharge volume was observed at 73,600 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Cheat River At Albright reporting a streamflow rate of 1,480 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Cheat River, with a gauge stage of 11.96 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Cheat River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,593 ft, the Cheat River Near Parsons.

It flows through the Appalachian Mountains and has a rich history dating back to the 1800s when it was used for transportation and logging. Today, the river is used for recreational activities such as whitewater rafting, fishing, and kayaking. The river's hydrology is affected by several dams and reservoirs, including the 2,800-acre Cheat Lake and the 13-mile-long Cheat Canyon. These reservoirs are used for hydroelectric power, as well as for recreational activities such as boating and swimming. Agricultural uses of the river include irrigation and livestock watering. Despite past pollution from coal mining and other industries, the Cheat River has made significant progress in recent years towards being restored to a healthy ecosystem.