MILWAUKEE RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 11, 2025


Winter Weather Advisory
2025-02-12T11:00:00-07:00

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches. * WHERE...All of northeast and east central Colorado, including the I-25 Urban Corridor. * WHEN...Snow will redevelop late this afternoon and early evening, and continue through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Milwaukee River was last observed at 3,140 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 6,228 acre-ft of water today; about 78% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 4,007 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2018-05-14 when daily discharge volume was observed at 24,870 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Milwaukee R @ Jones Island Mouth-At Milwaukee reporting a streamflow rate of 6,560 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Milwaukee River, with a gauge stage of 7.4 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Milwaukee River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 672 ft, the Milwaukee River Near Cedarburg.

The Milwaukee River is a 115-mile-long tributary of Lake Michigan that flows through Wisconsin. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the river was heavily polluted due to industrialization, but has since been cleaned up and is now popular for recreational activities such as kayaking and fishing. The river's hydrology is managed by several man-made reservoirs and dams, including the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers, which were dammed to create power for industrial use. These reservoirs also help control flooding in the area. The river is used for agricultural irrigation and is important for the region's economy. Today, the Milwaukee River is a symbol of the city's ongoing revitalization and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Last Updated 2024-04-11
Discharge Volume 6,228 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 3,140.0 cfs
-5150.0 cfs (-62.12%)
Percent of Normal 78.36%
Maximum 24,870.0 cfs
2018-05-14
Seasonal Avg 4,007 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Milwaukee River Near Cedarburg
USGS 04086600
1370 cfs 6.6 ft -10.46
Milwaukee River At Milwaukee
USGS 04087000
1770 cfs 2.02 ft -9.23
Milwaukee R @ Jones Island Mouth-At Milwaukee
USGS 04087170
6560 cfs 7.4 ft -38.24
History of the River

The Milwaukee River is a river in the state of Wisconsin. It is about 104 miles (167 km) long. Once a locus of industry, the river is now the center of a housing boom. New condos now crowd the downtown and harbor districts of Milwaukee attracting young professionals to the area. The river is also ribboned with parks as it winds through various neighborhoods. Kayaks and fishing boats share the river with party boats. An extensive Riverwalk featuring art displays, boat launches and restaurants lines its banks in downtown Milwaukee.

       

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Weather Forecast

Regional Streamflow Levels