Menomonee River

Total streamflow across the Menomonee River was last observed at 90 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 179 acre-ft of water today; about 44% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 207 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2025-08-10 when daily discharge volume was observed at 9,194 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Menomonee River At Wauwatosa reporting a streamflow rate of 66.5 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Menomonee River At Menomonee Falls with a gauge stage of 3.51 ft. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Menomonee River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 772 ft, the Menomonee River At Menomonee Falls.

The river has a rich history, being used as a transportation route by Native Americans and later by European settlers for logging and milling. Today, it is primarily used for recreational purposes, including fishing, kayaking, and hiking along its banks. The river's hydrology includes a number of reservoirs and dams, such as the Menomonee Falls Dam and the Valley Power Plant Dam, which provide hydroelectric power as well as flood control. The river is also used for agriculture, with farms and fields lining its banks. Despite past pollution, the river has undergone extensive cleanup efforts in recent years, and is now considered safe for recreational use.