Kentucky River Levels

June 6 2023

13,381 ACRE-FT

Discharge Volume Today

-1327.0 cfs (-16.44%) since yesterday
32.31% of normal • Very Low

Total streamflow across the Kentucky River was last observed at 6746 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 13381 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 20881 cfs, with recent peaks last observed at 893,000 cfs on 2021-03-03.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Kentucky River At Lock 12 Near Irvine reporting a streamflow rate of 8,300 cfs. However, the deepest point on the river is located at the Kentucky River At Lock 8 Near Camp Nelson with a gage stage of 11.82 ft. This river is monitored from 12 different streamgauging stations along the Kentucky River, the highest being perched at an elevation of 630 ft, the Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg.

River Summary: The Kentucky River is a tributary of the Ohio River, covering a total length of 259 miles. It has a significant history in the state of Kentucky, as it was a vital transportation route for early settlers and served as a source of power for mills and factories in the 19th century. The river's hydrology includes multiple tributaries, with some of the major ones being the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork. The river is impounded by several dams, including the Lock and Dam 11, which creates the reservoir known as the Kentucky River Lake. Other recreational areas around the river include the Kentucky River Palisades and the Clifty Wilderness Area. The Kentucky River is used for agricultural purposes, including irrigation and livestock watering.

Last Updated	2023-06-06
Streamflow	6,746.0 cfs
Percent Normal	32.31%
Maximum	893,000.0 cfs 2021-03-03