Total streamflow across the Nodaway River was last observed at 115 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 228 acre-ft of water today; about 9% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,345 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-05-29 when daily discharge volume was observed at 102,600 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Nodaway River Near Graham reporting a streamflow rate of 43.1 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Nodaway River At Clarinda with a gauge stage of 10.55 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Nodaway River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 966 ft, the Nodaway River At Clarinda.

The Nodaway River is a 69-mile-long tributary of the Missouri River in Missouri and Iowa. It was first explored by European settlers in the early 1800s and played a significant role in the region's transportation industry during the 19th century. Today, it serves as a source of irrigation for agriculture, and several reservoirs and dams have been built along its course, including the Nodaway Valley and West Nodaway reservoirs. The river also provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, canoeing, and camping, and is home to several species of fish and wildlife. However, the Nodaway River has been subject to flooding, with the most severe flood event occurring in 1993, causing significant damage to surrounding communities.