Muskegon River River Levels

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

The Muskegon River is a 227-mile-long river in western Michigan that flows from Houghton Lake to Lake Michigan.


Summary

Total streamflow across the Muskegon River was last observed at 2,493 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 4,945 acre-ft of water today; about 66% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 3,786 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2014-04-16 when daily discharge volume was observed at 25,400 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Muskegon River Near Croton reporting a streamflow rate of 1,480 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Muskegon River At Evart with a gauge stage of 6.93 ft. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Muskegon River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 997 ft, the Muskegon River At Evart.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-31
Discharge Volume 4,945 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 2,493.0 cfs
None cfs (None%)
Percent of Normal 65.84%
Maximum 25,400.0 cfs
2014-04-16
Seasonal Avg 3,786 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Muskegon River At Evart
USGS 04121500
533 cfs 6.93 ft -19
Muskegon River Near Croton
USGS 04121970
1480 cfs 5.23 ft -24.49
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

Muskegon River is a river in the western portion of the lower peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. The river has its headwaters in Houghton Lake in Roscommon County, flowing out of the North Bay into neighboring Missaukee County. From there it flows mostly southwest to Muskegon, Michigan, where it empties into Muskegon Lake. Muskegon Lake is connected to Lake Michigan via a mile-long channel. The river has several major branches, such as the Hersey River, Cedar Creek and Little Muskegon River. The main stream is 216 miles (348 km) long and drains an area of 2,350 square miles (6,100 km2).
In September 2002 an often cited article, National Geographic raised concerns about a controversial deal made with Nestle Waters North America giving them permission "to bottle up to 210 million gallons (about 800 million liters) a year from an aquifer north of Grand Rapids, Michigan that recharges the Muskegon River."