Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Santa Maria River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Santa Maria River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .

The Santa Maria River is a river in central California that flows for approximately 60 miles before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Historically, the river was an important resource for the indigenous Chumash people. Today, the river is primarily used for agricultural irrigation and recreation. The Cachuma and Twitchell reservoirs serve as major storage facilities along the river, with Twitchell Dam being the oldest dam in the county. The river is also known for its trout fishing, and there are several recreational areas along its banks, including the Lake Cachuma Recreation Area and the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve. However, due to overuse and drought, the river has faced challenges in sustaining its resources and ecosystem.