Cumberland River River Levels

Last Updated: March 24, 2026

The Cumberland River is a major tributary of the Ohio River, with a length of 688 miles.


Summary

Total streamflow across the Cumberland River was last observed at 14,009 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 27,787 acre-ft of water today; about 35% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 40,542 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2021-03-29 when daily discharge volume was observed at 205,510 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Cumberland River At Nashville reporting a streamflow rate of 7,440 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Cumberland River At Woodland St At Nashville with a gauge stage of 17.69 ft. This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the Cumberland River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,170 ft, the Cumberland River Near Harlan.




15-Day Weather Outlook


River Details

Last Updated 2026-03-24
Discharge Volume 27,787 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 14,009.0 cfs
-1190.0 cfs (-7.83%)
Percent of Normal 34.55%
Maximum 205,510.0 cfs
2021-03-29
Seasonal Avg 40,542 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Cumberland River Near Harlan
USGS 03401000
679 cfs 3.14 ft -20.95
Cumberland River At Williamsburg
USGS 03404000
2700 cfs 6.38 ft -12.34
Cumberland River At Cumberland Falls
USGS 03404500
3190 cfs 3.34 ft -14.02
Cumberland River At Nashville
USGS 03431500
7440 cfs 17.45 ft -1.46
Cumberland River At Woodland St At Nashville
USGS 034315005
7180 cfs 17.69 ft
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Cumberland River is a major waterway of the Southern United States. The 688-mile-long (1,107 km) river drains almost 18,000 square miles (47,000 km2) of southern Kentucky and north-central Tennessee. The river flows generally west from a source in the Appalachian Mountains to its confluence with the Ohio River near Paducah, Kentucky, and the mouth of the Tennessee River. Major tributaries include the Obey, Caney Fork, Stones, and Red rivers.
Although the Cumberland River basin is predominantly rural, there are also some large cities on the river, including Nashville and Clarksville, both in Tennessee. In addition, the river system has been extensively developed for flood control, with major dams impounding both the main stem and many of its important tributaries.