Iowa River

Last Updated: April 19, 2026

Total streamflow across the Iowa River was last observed at 83,124 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 164,874 acre-ft of water today; about 201% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 41,417 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2014-07-04 when daily discharge volume was observed at 225,800 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Iowa River At Wapello reporting a streamflow rate of 34,000 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Iowa River Below Coralville Dam Nr Coralville with a gauge stage of 54.84 ft. This river is monitored from 8 different streamgauging stations along the Iowa River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,187 ft, the Iowa River Near Rowan.

The Iowa River is a tributary of the Mississippi River and runs about 329 miles across the state of Iowa.


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-04-19
Discharge Volume 164,874 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 83,124.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -3502.0 cfs (-4.04%)
Percent of Normal 200.7%
Maximum 225,800.0 cfs
2014-07-04
Seasonal Avg 41,417 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Iowa River Near Rowan
USGS 05449500
334 cfs 5.42 ft -8.74
Iowa River At Marshalltown
USGS 05451500
3340 cfs 14.11 ft -24.09
Iowa River Near Belle Plaine
USGS 05452500
7970 cfs 15.89 ft 1.66
Iowa River At Marengo
USGS 05453100
8450 cfs 15.35 ft 6.29
Iowa River Below Coralville Dam Nr Coralville
USGS 05453520
8300 cfs 54.84 ft -0.24
Iowa River At Iowa City
USGS 05454500
8930 cfs 17.8 ft -1.33
Iowa River Near Lone Tree
USGS 05455700
11800 cfs 13.11 ft -12.59
Iowa River At Wapello
USGS 05465500
34000 cfs 20.57 ft -3.41
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Iowa River is a tributary of the Mississippi River in the state of Iowa in the United States. It is about 323 miles (520 km) long and is open to small river craft to Iowa City, about 65 miles (105 km) from its mouth. Its major tributary is the Cedar River.