SACRAMENTO RIVER

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 12 streamgages of the Sacramento River


Summary

Total streamflow across the Sacramento River was last observed at 271,650 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 538,811 acre-ft of water today; about 141% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 193,280 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2025-02-15 when daily discharge volume was observed at 550,980 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Sacramento R A Rio Vista Ca reporting a streamflow rate of 68,500 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Sacramento R A Freeport Ca with a gauge stage of 115.08 ft. This river is monitored from 12 different streamgauging stations along the Sacramento River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,143 ft, the Sacramento R A Delta Ca.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-29
Discharge Volume 538,811 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 271,650.0 cfs
-6580.0 cfs (-2.36%)
Percent of Normal 140.55%
Maximum 550,980.0 cfs
2025-02-15
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Sacramento R A Delta Ca
USGS 11342000
3470 cfs 7.69 ft -33.65
Sacramento R A Keswick Ca
USGS 11370500
6880 cfs 10.96 ft 74.18
Sacramento R Ab Bend Bridge Nr Red Bluff Ca
USGS 11377100
11100 cfs 4.66 ft -26.97
Sacramento R A Colusa Ca
USGS 11389500
38100 cfs 63.47 ft -10.77
Sacramento R Bl Wilkins Slough Nr Grimes Ca
USGS 11390500
25700 cfs 47.8 ft -1.53
Sacramento R Ab Delta Cross Channel Ca
USGS 11447890
35700 cfs 10.6 ft -0.83
Sacramento R A Verona Ca
USGS 11425500
59000 cfs 32.69 ft -1.17
Sacramento R Bl Georgiana Slough Ca
USGS 11447905
25600 cfs 9.8 ft -1.54
Sacramento R A Freeport Ca
USGS 11447650
66100 cfs 115.08 ft -1.78
Sacramento R Deep Water Ship Channel Nr Rio Vista
USGS 11455335
9620 cfs 23.32 ft -7.99
Sacramento R Deep Water Ship Channel Nr Freeport
USGS 11455095
3450 cfs 5.18 ft 38
Sacramento R A Rio Vista Ca
USGS 11455420
68500 cfs 13.26 ft 94.6
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

It has played a significant role in California's history, serving as a major transportation route during the Gold Rush era. The river's hydrology is heavily influenced by snowmelt and rainfall, with several dams and reservoirs built for flood control and water storage purposes. These include the Shasta Dam, which forms the largest reservoir in California. The river also provides water for agricultural purposes in the Sacramento Valley, known for its rice fields and orchards. Recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping are popular along the river, with several parks and wildlife refuges located along its banks.