TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Lackawanna River
was last observed at
827
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
1,641
acre-ft of water today; about 41%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
2,005 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2021-09-02 when daily discharge volume was observed at
21,345 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Lackawanna River At Old Forge
reporting a streamflow rate of 349 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Lackawanna River, with a gauge stage of
2.99 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Lackawanna River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,553 ft, the
Lackawanna River Near Forest City.
The Lackawanna River is a 40-mile-long river in northeastern Pennsylvania that flows through Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The river has a rich history, serving as the main transportation route for the coal industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Lackawanna River watershed covers 310 square miles and includes several small streams and tributaries. The river is dammed at several points, with the most significant reservoirs being the Stillwater Reservoir and the Chapman Lake Reservoir. These dams provide drinking water to the surrounding communities. In recent years, there have been efforts to restore the river's ecological health and promote recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. The river also supports agricultural operations, with several farms located along its banks.
| Last Updated | 2024-12-25 |
| Discharge Volume | 1,641 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
827.4 cfs
-21.2 cfs (-2.5%) |
| Percent of Normal | 41.27% |
| Maximum |
21,344.8 cfs
2021-09-02 |
| Seasonal Avg | 2,005 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lackawanna River Near Forest City
USGS 01534300 |
73 cfs | 2.2 ft | -6.62 | |||||
|
Lackawanna River At Archbald
USGS 01534500 |
178 cfs | 2.51 ft | -1.66 | |||||
|
Lackawanna R Bl Leggetts Creek At Scranton
USGS 01534860 |
227 cfs | 1.76 ft | -1.3 | |||||
|
Lackawanna River At Old Forge
USGS 01536000 |
349 cfs | 2.99 ft | -2.79 |
History of the River
The Lackawanna River is a 40.8-mile-long (65.7 km) tributary of the Susquehanna River in northeastern Pennsylvania in the United States. It flows through a region of the northern Pocono Mountains that was once a center of anthracite coal mining in the United States. It starts in north Wayne County, Pennsylvania and ends in east Luzerne County, Pennsylvania in Duryea, Pennsylvania. The lower reaches of the river flow through the urban areas of Scranton, which grew around its banks in the 19th century as an industrial center. Its name comes from a Lenni Lenape word meaning "stream that forks".The river rises in two branches, the West and East branches, along the boundary between Susquehanna and Wayne counties. The branches, each about 12 miles (19 km) long, flow south, closely parallel to each other, and join at the Stillwater Lake reservoir in Union Dale. The combined river flows southwest past Forest City, Carbondale, Mayfield, Jermyn, Archbald, Jessup, Blakely, Olyphant, Dickson City, Throop, Scranton, Taylor, Moosic, Old Forge, and Duryea. It joins the Susquehanna River at the northern boundary of Pittston about 8 miles (13 km) west-southwest of Scranton.
By the mid-20th century, the river was severely polluted from mine drainages in its watershed. The decline of industry in the region, as well as federal, state, and private efforts, have improved the water quality. Still, the Lackawanna River is the largest point source of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. The upper reaches of the river are a popular destination for fly fishing of trout. It was designated as an American Heritage River in 1997.