SALINAS RIVER

Last Updated: April 14, 2026

Total streamflow across the Salinas River was last observed at 695 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,378 acre-ft of water today; about 36% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,951 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2023-03-13 when daily discharge volume was observed at 66,820 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Salinas R Nr Bradley Ca reporting a streamflow rate of 261 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Salinas R A Paso Robles Ca with a gauge stage of 14.05 ft. This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the Salinas River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 681 ft, the Salinas R A Paso Robles Ca.

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 5 streamgages of the Salinas River


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-04-14
Discharge Volume 1,378 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 694.5 cfs
Past 24 Hours: +1.2 cfs (+0.17%)
Percent of Normal 35.6%
Maximum 66,820.0 cfs
2023-03-13
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
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Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Salinas R A Paso Robles Ca
USGS 11147500 		51 cfs 14.05 ft -17.37
Salinas R Nr Bradley Ca
USGS 11150500 		261 cfs 3.73 ft 3.98
Salinas R A Soledad Ca
USGS 11151700 		174 cfs 9.87 ft -1.14
Salinas R Nr Chualar Ca
USGS 11152300 		118 cfs 3.01 ft 1.72
Salinas R Nr Spreckels Ca
USGS 11152500 		91 cfs 4.62 ft 2.14
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
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Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

It was named after the Salinan people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The river has a rich history, including being a source of water for the Spanish missions in the area. It is also a vital source of water for agriculture, supplying irrigation for the fertile Salinas Valley. There are several dams and reservoirs on the river, including the San Antonio Reservoir, Nacimiento Reservoir, and Lake Salinas. These provide essential water storage and flood control during heavy rain periods. The river is also an important recreational area, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and kayaking.