PATUXENT RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 21, 2024
39.09, -76.83


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Patuxent River was last observed at 229 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 454 acre-ft of water today; about 48% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 480 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2014-05-01 when daily discharge volume was observed at 14,260 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Patuxent River Near Bowie reporting a streamflow rate of 175 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Patuxent River, with a gauge stage of 4.9 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Patuxent River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 383 ft, the Patuxent River Near Unity.

The Patuxent River is a 115-mile-long river that flows through central Maryland and empties into the Chesapeake Bay. The river has a rich history, having been used by Native American tribes and European settlers for transportation, trade, and fishing. The river is fed by several smaller streams and is home to numerous species of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. The river is also home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Brighton Dam and the Duckett Dam, which provide drinking water and hydroelectric power to the area. The Patuxent River is a popular destination for recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. The river is also used for agricultural purposes, with many farms located along its banks.

Last Updated 2024-12-21
Discharge Volume 454 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 229.0 cfs
-38.3 cfs (-14.33%)
Percent of Normal 47.76%
Maximum 14,260.0 cfs
2014-05-01
Seasonal Avg 480 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Patuxent River Near Unity
USGS 01591000
18 cfs 2.16 ft -6.63
Patuxent River Below Brighton Dam Near Brighton
USGS 01591610
36 cfs 1.6 ft 0
Patuxent River Near Bowie
USGS 01594440
175 cfs 4.9 ft -17.45
History of the River

The Patuxent River is a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay in the state of Maryland. There are three main river drainages for central Maryland: the Potomac River to the west passing through Washington, D.C., the Patapsco River to the northeast passing through Baltimore, and the Patuxent River between the two. The 908-square-mile (2,352 km2) Patuxent watershed had a rapidly growing population of 590,769 in 2000. It is the largest and longest river entirely within Maryland, and its watershed is the largest completely within the state.

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