Red Flag Warning
2025-12-17T18:00:00-07:00

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 241, 242, 243, 245 and 246. * TIMING...Until 6 PM MST this evening. * WINDS...West 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 16 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.


CLINTON RIVER

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 4 streamgages of the Clinton River


Summary

Total streamflow across the Clinton River was last observed at 323 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 641 acre-ft of water today; about 50% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 640 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2024-01-27 when daily discharge volume was observed at 13,396 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Clinton River Near Fraser reporting a streamflow rate of 230 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Clinton River At Sterling Heights with a gauge stage of 8.15 ft. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Clinton River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 846 ft, the Clinton River At Auburn Hills.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-17
Discharge Volume 641 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 323.1 cfs
-8.1 cfs (-2.45%)
Percent of Normal 50.48%
Maximum 13,396.0 cfs
2024-01-27
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Clinton River At Auburn Hills
USGS 04161000
93 cfs 1.54 ft 3.22
Clinton River At Sterling Heights
USGS 04161820
178 cfs 8.15 ft 10.56
Clinton River Near Fraser
USGS 04164000
230 cfs 6.23 ft -4.56
Clinton River At Moravian Drive At Mt. Clemens
USGS 04165500
22 cfs 5.38 ft -30.19
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

Clair. The river was named after DeWitt Clinton, a former governor of New York. The river is part of the larger Lake St. Clair watershed and is fed by numerous tributaries.

There are several reservoirs along the Clinton River, including the Yates Cider Mill Reservoir, the Sylvan Glen Lake, and the Dodge #4 State Park Reservoir. Additionally, there are several dams on the river, including the Auburn Hills Municipal Dam, the Lake Oakland Dam, and the Yates Cider Mill Dam.

The Clinton River is a popular spot for recreational activities, including kayaking, fishing, and nature hikes. The river also serves as a water source for several communities in the area and is used for agricultural irrigation. Throughout its history, the Clinton River has played an important role in the development of the region, from powering mills during the Industrial Revolution to serving as a crucial transportation route.