Red Flag Warning
2026-04-23T19:00:00-06:00

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 216, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 248, 249, 250 and 251. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 7 PM MDT Thursday. * WINDS...Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph across the southern Front Range Foothills and South Park through early Thursday afternoon.. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 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.

MIDDLE OCONEE RIVER

Last Updated: April 23, 2026

Total streamflow across the Middle Oconee River was last observed at 252 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 500 acre-ft of water today; about 52% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 488 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2024-01-11 when daily discharge volume was observed at 15,680 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Middle Oconee River Near Athens reporting a streamflow rate of 128 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Middle Oconee River Near Arcade with a gauge stage of 2.35 ft. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Middle Oconee River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 692 ft, the Middle Oconee River Near Arcade.

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 2 streamgages of the Middle Oconee River


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-04-22
Discharge Volume 500 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 252.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: +126.0 cfs (+100.0%)
Percent of Normal 51.6%
Maximum 15,680.0 cfs
2024-01-11
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Middle Oconee River Near Arcade
USGS 02217475
124 cfs 2.35 ft -1.59
Middle Oconee River Near Athens
USGS 02217500
128 cfs 1.05 ft 2.4
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

It is a major tributary of the Oconee River and serves as a vital source of water for the region. The river has a rich history, dating back to the pre-colonial era when it was used for transportation and fishing by Native American tribes. Today, the river is home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Bear Creek Reservoir and the Barnett Shoals Dam, which provide hydroelectric power and drinking water for the surrounding communities. The Middle Oconee River is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The river and its surrounding watershed also play a significant role in agriculture, supporting crops such as cotton, peanuts, and soybeans.