Red Flag Warning
2026-04-13T20:00:00-06:00

...TODAY'S RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM THIS EVENING... .A NEW RED FLAG WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR TUESDAY FOR SOUTHERN LINCOLN COUNTY. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 214, 216, 238, 241, 242 and 246. * TIMING...Until 8 PM MDT this evening. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts around 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.

LITTLE CAHABA RIVER

Last Updated: April 13, 2026

Total streamflow across the Little Cahaba River was last observed at 33 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 65 acre-ft of water today; about 21% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 160 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2025-04-07 when daily discharge volume was observed at 1,929 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Little Cahaba River Nr Jefferson Park reporting a streamflow rate of 18.9 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Little Cahaba River Below Leeds with a gauge stage of 1.27 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Little Cahaba River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 616 ft, the Little Cahaba River Below Leeds.

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 3 streamgages of the Little Cahaba River


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-04-13
Discharge Volume 65 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 33.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -32.63 cfs (-49.72%)
Percent of Normal 20.66%
Maximum 1,929.0 cfs
2025-04-07
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Little Cahaba River Below Leeds
USGS 02423397
14 cfs 1.27 ft 67.26
Little Cahaba River Nr Jefferson Park
USGS 02423400
19 cfs 0.37 ft -9.13
Little Cahaba River At Cah Bea Rd Nr Cahaba Hts Al
USGS 02423414
14 cfs 0.64 ft -62.09
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

It flows for 70 miles through Jefferson, Shelby, Bibb, and Hale counties. The river has a rich history and was once used for transportation, trade, and energy production. Today, the river is primarily used for recreational purposes such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The Little Cahaba River watershed is home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Cahaba Lakes, Lake Purdy, and the Lake Purdy Dam, which provide drinking water to Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Agriculture, specifically cattle farming and timber harvesting, is another significant use of the land surrounding the river. The Little Cahaba River is a vital component of the Cahaba River system and a valuable resource for the people of central Alabama.