TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Little Wabash River
was last observed at
1,094
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
2,170
acre-ft of water today; about 18%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
5,982 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2011-05-03 when daily discharge volume was observed at
68,271 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Little Wabash River At Carmi
reporting a streamflow rate of 1,000 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Little Wabash River Near Effingham
with a gauge stage of 10.53 ft.
This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Little Wabash River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 542 ft, the
Little Wabash River Near Effingham.
The Little Wabash River is a tributary of the Wabash River in southern Illinois, stretching 240 miles from its source to its confluence with the Wabash River. The river has a rich history, as it was used for transportation and trade by Native Americans and European settlers in the 1800s. It is also a vital source of water for agriculture in the region, with many farmers relying on it for irrigation. The river has several reservoirs and dams, including the Lake Sara Dam, which is used for flood control and recreation. The river's hydrology has been impacted by human activities, including agriculture and urbanization, leading to issues with water quality and sedimentation. Despite this, the Little Wabash River remains a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.
| Last Updated | 2024-12-25 |
| Discharge Volume | 2,170 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
1,093.83 cfs
-485.27 cfs (-30.73%) |
| Percent of Normal | 18.29% |
| Maximum |
68,271.0 cfs
2011-05-03 |
| Seasonal Avg | 5,982 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Little Wabash River Near Effingham
USGS 03378635 |
9 cfs | 10.53 ft | -11.25 | |||||
|
Little Wabash River Below Clay City
USGS 03379500 |
85 cfs | 5.18 ft | -14.29 | |||||
|
Little Wabash River At Carmi
USGS 03381500 |
1000 cfs | 5.57 ft | -31.97 |
History of the River
The Wabash River (French: Ouabache) is a 503-mile-long (810 km) river in Ohio and Indiana, United States, that flows from the headwaters near the middle of Ohio's western border northwest then southwest across northern Indiana turning south along the Illinois border where the southern portion forms the Indiana-Illinois border before flowing into the Ohio River. It is the largest northern tributary of the Ohio River. From the dam near Huntington, Indiana, to its terminus at the Ohio River, the Wabash flows freely for 411 miles (661 km). Its watershed drains most of Indiana. The Tippecanoe River, White River, Embarras River and Little Wabash River are major tributaries. The river's name comes from an Illini Indian word meaning "water over white stones".
The Wabash is the state river of Indiana, and subject of the state song "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away" by Paul Dresser. Two counties (in Indiana and Illinois), eight townships in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio; one Illinois precinct, one city, one town, two colleges, one high school, one canal, one former class I railroad, several bridges and avenues are all named for the river itself while four US Navy warships are either named for the river or the numerous battles that took place on or near it.