CLARION RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 1,073 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 541.0 cfs
-9.0 cfs (-1.64%)
Percent of Normal 20.7%
Maximum 76,850.0 cfs
2014-05-22
Seasonal Avg 2,614 cfs

Total streamflow across the Clarion River was last observed at 541 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,073 acre-ft of water today; about 21% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,614 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2014-05-22 when daily discharge volume was observed at 76,850 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Clarion River At Cooksburg reporting a streamflow rate of 279 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Clarion River At Ridgway with a gauge stage of 3.24 ft. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Clarion River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,426 ft, the Clarion River At Johnsonburg.

The Clarion River is a 110-mile-long river located in western Pennsylvania, United States. The river has a rich history, as it was used for transportation by Native Americans and later settlers. The first oil well in the United States was drilled along the river's banks in 1859. The river is fed by numerous tributaries and has a drainage area of 1,110 square miles. Several reservoirs and dams are located on the river, including Piney Dam, East Branch Dam, and Clarion River Lake. These structures provide flood control, water supply, and recreation opportunities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The river also serves as a source of drinking water for several municipalities and supports agricultural activities such as crop irrigation and livestock watering.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Clarion River At Johnsonburg
USGS 03028500
148 cfs 1.85 ft -1.74
Clarion River At Ridgway
USGS 03029000
219 cfs 3.24 ft 2.45
Clarion River At Cooksburg
USGS 03029500
279 cfs 2.23 ft -4.04
Clarion River Near Piney
USGS 03030500
47 cfs 1.6 ft -5.53
History of the River

The Clarion River is a tributary of the Allegheny River, approximately 110 mi (177 km) long, in west central Pennsylvania in the United States. It drains a rugged area of the Allegheny Plateau in the Ohio River watershed, flowing through narrow serpentine valleys and hardwood forests.

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