NACIMIENTO RIVER

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

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


Summary

Total streamflow across the Nacimiento River was last observed at 876 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,738 acre-ft of water today; about 178% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 491 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 Sapaque C Nr Bryson Ca reporting a streamflow rate of 876 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Nacimiento River, with a gauge stage of 10.44 ft at this location. 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.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-25
Discharge Volume 1,738 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 876.0 cfs
+806.2 cfs (+1155.01%)
Percent of Normal 178.36%
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
876 cfs 10.44 ft 13587.5
Nacimiento R Bl Nacimiento Dam Nr Bradley Ca
USGS 11149400
65 cfs 2.49 ft 2.21
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.