NACIMIENTO RIVER

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Total streamflow across the Nacimiento River was last observed at 274 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 543 acre-ft of water today; about 95% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 288 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2023-03-11 when daily discharge volume was observed at 14,150 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Nacimiento R Bl Nacimiento Dam Nr Bradley Ca reporting a streamflow rate of 264 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Nacimiento R Bl Sapaque C Nr Bryson Ca with a gauge stage of 7.55 ft. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Nacimiento River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 819 ft, the Nacimiento R Bl Sapaque C Nr Bryson Ca.

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


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-05-09
Discharge Volume 543 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 273.7 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -1.1 cfs (-0.4%)
Percent of Normal 94.88%
Maximum 14,150.0 cfs
2023-03-11
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Nacimiento R Bl Sapaque C Nr Bryson Ca
USGS 11148900
10 cfs 7.55 ft -10.19
Nacimiento R Bl Nacimiento Dam Nr Bradley Ca
USGS 11149400
264 cfs 3.4 ft 0
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The river has played an important role in the history of the area, serving as a water source for the Salinan and Chumash tribes. Today, the Nacimiento River is used for recreational and agricultural purposes. The river is impounded by two major reservoirs, Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio, which provide water for irrigation, drinking, and power generation. The Nacimiento River watershed is also home to several smaller dams and reservoirs, including the Nacimiento Dam and the San Antonio Dam. Recreational activities on the river include boating, fishing, and camping, while agriculture in the area primarily consists of vineyards, orchards, and crop farming. The river's hydrology is affected by droughts and seasonal rainfall patterns.