Summary
Total streamflow across the
Salinas River
was last observed at
1,869
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
3,707
acre-ft of water today; about 192%
of normal.
River levels are high.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
975 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 A Soledad Ca
reporting a streamflow rate of 555 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Salinas R A Paso Robles Ca
with a gauge stage of 14.92 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.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2026-01-12 |
| Discharge Volume | 3,707 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
1,869.0 cfs
-324.0 cfs (-14.77%) |
| Percent of Normal | 191.73% |
| Maximum |
66,820.0 cfs
2023-03-13 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Salinas R A Paso Robles Ca
USGS 11147500 |
136 cfs | 14.92 ft | -20.93 | |||||
|
Salinas R Nr Bradley Ca
USGS 11150500 |
289 cfs | 3.85 ft | -11.08 | |||||
|
Salinas R A Soledad Ca
USGS 11151700 |
555 cfs | 10.93 ft | -2.8 | |||||
|
Salinas R Nr Chualar Ca
USGS 11152300 |
488 cfs | 5.43 ft | -16.58 | |||||
|
Salinas R Nr Spreckels Ca
USGS 11152500 |
401 cfs | 7.76 ft | -25.74 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
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.