IOWA RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 7, 2025
41.82, -91.57


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Iowa River was last observed at 9,253 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 18,353 acre-ft of water today; about 32% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 28,585 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 5,020 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 49.62 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. It has been an essential part of Iowa's history, being used for transportation of goods, power generation, and irrigation. The river's hydrology has been significantly impacted by agricultural practices, with high levels of sediment and nutrient runoff leading to water quality issues. Several dams and reservoirs have been constructed along the river to control flooding and provide recreational opportunities, including the Coralville Reservoir and Dam, Lake Red Rock, and the Iowa City Reservoir. These reservoirs provide water for irrigation and recreation, including boating, fishing, and camping. The Iowa River remains an important part of Iowa's landscape and economy, with efforts being made to improve water quality and preserve its ecological health.

Last Updated 2024-04-11
Discharge Volume 18,353 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 9,253.0 cfs
-1081.0 cfs (-10.46%)
Percent of Normal 32.37%
Maximum 225,800.0 cfs
2014-07-04
Seasonal Avg 28,585 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Iowa River Near Rowan
USGS 05449500
131 cfs 3.82 ft -3.68
Iowa River At Marshalltown
USGS 05451500
396 cfs 10.22 ft -1.98
Iowa River Near Belle Plaine
USGS 05452500
505 cfs 6 ft -4.17
Iowa River At Marengo
USGS 05453100
496 cfs 6.7 ft -0.8
Iowa River Below Coralville Dam Nr Coralville
USGS 05453520
694 cfs 49.62 ft 0
Iowa River At Iowa City
USGS 05454500
743 cfs 10.13 ft -28.56
Iowa River Near Lone Tree
USGS 05455700
1340 cfs 5.14 ft -7.59
Iowa River At Wapello
USGS 05465500
5020 cfs 12.22 ft -6.86
History of the River

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.

       

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