Kentucky River

Surface Flows Hydrology Weather


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

Area Surface Flows

Streamgauge Streamflow River Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg
USGS 03282000
571 cfs 9.42 ft -9.94
Kentucky River At Lock 10 Near Winchester
USGS 03284000
532 cfs 10.02 ft -10.89
Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill
USGS 03282290
625 cfs 11.2 ft -5.87
Kentucky River At Lock 12 Near Irvine
USGS 03282120
8300 cfs 9.78 ft -20.19
Kentucky River At Lock 9 At Valley View
USGS 03284230
635 cfs 11.04 ft -15.89
Kentucky River At Lock 8 Near Camp Nelson
USGS 03284500
630 cfs 11.82 ft -14.4
Kentucky River At Lock 6 Near Salvisa
USGS 03287000
850 cfs 10.2 ft -6.8
Kentucky River At Lock 7 At Highbridge
USGS 03286500
3810 cfs 9.31 ft -18.06
Kentucky River At Lock 5 Near Tyrone
USGS 03287250
735 cfs 9.36 ft -17.97
Kentucky River At Lock 4 At Frankfort
USGS 03287500
721 cfs 7.09 ft -26.88
Kentucky River At Lock 3 At Gest
USGS 03290080
909 cfs 7.61 ft -22.97
Kentucky River At Lock 2 At Lockport
USGS 03290500
1070 cfs 8.75 ft -18.32

Kentucky River Peak Annual Discharge

Kentucky River maximum total discharge

Kentucky River Seasonal Comparison

Year over year discharge


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