Summary
Total streamflow across the
Flat River
was last observed at
25
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
50
acre-ft of water today; about 18%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
142 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2025-02-13 when daily discharge volume was observed at
7,090 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Flat River At Bahama
reporting a streamflow rate of 25 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Flat River Trib Nr Willardville
with a gauge stage of 1.49 ft.
This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Flat River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 353 ft, the
Flat River At Bahama.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2026-01-31 |
| Discharge Volume | 50 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
25.0 cfs
-1.0 cfs (-3.85%) |
| Percent of Normal | 17.63% |
| Maximum |
7,090.0 cfs
2025-02-13 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Flat River At Bahama
USGS 02085500 |
25 cfs | 1.32 ft | -3.85 | |||||
|
Flat River Trib Nr Willardville
USGS 0208650112 |
0 cfs | 1.49 ft | ||||||
|
Flat River At Dam Near Bahama
USGS 02086500 |
1 cfs | 0.49 ft | 125 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
It flows through Ionia and Montcalm Counties and has a rich history dating back to the 1800s when it was used for logging and transportation. Today, the river serves as a source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation through the operation of several dams and reservoirs, including the Whites Bridge Dam and the Lowell Hydroelectric Dam. The Flat River is also a popular spot for outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. In addition, the river plays a significant role in the agricultural industry in the surrounding areas, providing water for crops and livestock.