Red Flag Warning
2026-03-05T18:00:00-07:00

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 241, 246 and 247. * TIMING...From noon to 6 PM MST Thursday. * WINDS...South 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.


SALINAS RIVER

Last Updated: March 4, 2026

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


Summary

Total streamflow across the Salinas River was last observed at 2,080 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 4,126 acre-ft of water today; about 72% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,883 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 Chualar Ca reporting a streamflow rate of 607 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Salinas R A Paso Robles Ca with a gauge stage of 14.85 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.




15-Day Weather Outlook


River Details

Last Updated 2026-03-04
Discharge Volume 4,126 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 2,080.0 cfs
-216.0 cfs (-9.41%)
Percent of Normal 72.15%
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
149 cfs 14.85 ft -9.15
Salinas R Nr Bradley Ca
USGS 11150500
440 cfs 3.8 ft -4.56
Salinas R A Soledad Ca
USGS 11151700
358 cfs 10.7 ft -14.35
Salinas R Nr Chualar Ca
USGS 11152300
607 cfs 5.92 ft -9.27
Salinas R Nr Spreckels Ca
USGS 11152500
526 cfs 8 ft -9.93
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.