James River Flow
The latest USGS readings for the James River were last reported on October 7, 2026. Each gauge’s most recent value is listed below. ❤ Favorite
James River map
See the James River on a live map
Every gauge, dam and paddle run on the river, one tap each:
- Gauges now — which reaches are high or low
- Dams & paddle runs — storage and what’s in range
- Rain — past 24 hrs and the 72-hr forecast, press play
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James River conditions today
Where the river is running versus normal, what’s rising or dropping, and what it means for a trip — built from the live USGS readings below.
No gauge on the James River has reported in the last 3 days. The table below shows each gauge’s last reading.
How the James River compares to normal
Every reporting gauge from the top of the river to the bottom: bar length is today’s flow, colour is percent of normal for the date.
James River flow report
| Streamgage | Streamflow | % of normal | 24h | Gage height | To flood stage | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
James River At Nd-sd State Line SD
Last reported Oct 7 · USGS 06470878 |
192 cfs | · | · | 88.28 ft | · | 1,290 ft |
|
James River Near Mitchell Sd SD
Last reported Sep 6 · USGS 06478000 |
393 cfs | · | · | 9.91 ft | flood 17.0 ft | 1,206 ft |
USGS provisional data. Readings are in each gauge’s local time; gauges silent for more than 3 days are marked “Last reported”. Tap any gauge for its hydrograph, forecast and history.
Paddle runs on the James River
Each run is checked against its runnable range using the gauge it is keyed to (or the nearest gauge on this river).
| Run | Status | Flow now | Runnable range | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mile Southeast Of Buchanan (At End Of Nfs Land) To Snowden Dam Reservoir | No live range | · | 724–38,400 cfs | III–IV |
| Segment A--Route 42 Bridge To Confluence With Jackson River | No live range | · | 400–20,000 cfs | II–III |
| Top Of Apple Orchards Falls To Confluence Of North Creek With Jennings Creek | No live range | · | 1,750–4,082 cfs typical | III |
James River streamflow over time
Daily total flow across every monitored gauge on the river.
Maximum streamflow by year
James River
The James River is a 348-mile-long river that flows from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. It played an important role in the history of Virginia, serving as a major transportation route for trade and commerce. The river is home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Boshers Dam, the Powhatan Dam, and the Gathright Dam. These dams provide hydroelectric power and help manage the river's flow. The James River is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating. Additionally, the river is used for agriculture, providing irrigation for crops and livestock. Despite being affected by urbanization and pollutants, efforts are being made to protect and restore the health of the James River ecosystem.
Fishing near the James River
About the James River
How is the James River flowing right now?
Snoflo has no USGS reading for the James River from the last 3 days; the latest readings were reported October 7, 2026. Every gauge’s live reading is in the table above.
Is the James River running high or low?
Above 100% means higher than the historical average for this calendar day; below 100% means lower. The profile above shows which reaches are high or low.
What is flood stage on the James River?
The National Weather Service sets flood stages for Mitchell Sd (17.0 ft). The table shows how far each gauge is below its flood stage right now.
Is the James River runnable for paddling today?
Each run in the paddle table is checked against its runnable range using its gauge's live flow.
Where does the data come from?
Discharge and gage height are from the USGS National Water Information System; flood stages from the National Weather Service. The history chart sums every monitored gauge on the river.
Can I get alerts for a gauge?
Yes — open any gauge from the table, favorite it in the Snoflo app and set a flow threshold.