Iowa River

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Total streamflow across the Iowa River was last observed at 28,199 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 55,932 acre-ft of water today; about 75% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 37,372 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 11,900 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 51.18 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 2026-05-09
Discharge Volume 55,932 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 28,199.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -608.0 cfs (-2.11%)
Percent of Normal 75.45%
Maximum 225,800.0 cfs
2014-07-04
Seasonal Avg 37,372 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Iowa River Near Rowan
USGS 05449500
259 cfs 4.81 ft -3
Iowa River At Marshalltown
USGS 05451500
1090 cfs 11.71 ft -9.17
Iowa River Near Belle Plaine
USGS 05452500
2450 cfs 9.67 ft -4.67
Iowa River At Marengo
USGS 05453100
2940 cfs 9.59 ft -3.29
Iowa River Below Coralville Dam Nr Coralville
USGS 05453520
2610 cfs 51.18 ft 1.16
Iowa River At Iowa City
USGS 05454500
2660 cfs 12.22 ft -0.37
Iowa River Near Lone Tree
USGS 05455700
4290 cfs 8.2 ft 0.23
Iowa River At Wapello
USGS 05465500
11900 cfs 15.03 ft -2.46
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.