MONOCACY RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 14, 2025


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Monocacy River was last observed at 1,585 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 3,144 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 3,582 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2021-09-02 when daily discharge volume was observed at 62,500 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Monocacy River At Jug Bridge Near Frederick reporting a streamflow rate of 796 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Monocacy River At Bridgeport with a gauge stage of 5.09 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Monocacy River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 332 ft, the Monocacy River At Bridgeport.

The Monocacy River is a 58-mile-long tributary of the Potomac River that flows through Maryland and Pennsylvania. It played a significant role in the Civil War Battle of Monocacy in 1864. The river's hydrology is heavily influenced by precipitation, with significant flooding occurring during heavy rainfall events. The river has several reservoirs and dams, including the Lake Linganore Dam, which provides drinking water to the city of Frederick. The river is used for various recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and boating. Additionally, the river provides water for irrigation to nearby agricultural lands. The Monocacy River is a vital resource for the local communities and wildlife in the area.

Last Updated 2025-02-14
Discharge Volume 3,144 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,585.0 cfs
+638.4 cfs (+67.44%)
Percent of Normal 44.25%
Maximum 62,500.0 cfs
2021-09-02
Seasonal Avg 3,582 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Monocacy River At Bridgeport
USGS 01639000
789 cfs 5.09 ft -3.39
Monocacy River At Monocacy Blvd At Frederick
USGS 01642190
695 cfs 3.04 ft -13.96
Monocacy River At Jug Bridge Near Frederick
USGS 01643000
796 cfs 3.04 ft -17.1
History of the River

The Monocacy River is a free-flowing left tributary to the Potomac River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean via the Chesapeake Bay. The river is 58.5 miles (94.1 km) long, with a drainage area of about 744 square miles (1,930 km2). It is the largest Maryland tributary to the Potomac.
The name "Monocacy" comes from the Shawnee name for the river Monnockkesey, which translates to "river with many bends." (However, another local tradition asserts that "Monocacy" means "well-fenced garden" in an Indian language.) The first town ever settled in Western Maryland, Monocacy, also gets its name from this river.
The Monocacy National Battlefield lies alongside part of the river, marking an 1864 engagement during the American Civil War, the Battle of Monocacy Junction. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal crosses over the river at the Monocacy Aqueduct, the largest of the 11 aqueducts on the canal.

       

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