SATILLA RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 9, 2025


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Satilla River was last observed at 2,709 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 5,373 acre-ft of water today; about 66% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 4,084 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2013-03-05 when daily discharge volume was observed at 36,210 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Satilla River At Atkinson reporting a streamflow rate of 1,690 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Satilla River Near Waycross with a gauge stage of 10.47 ft. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Satilla River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 112 ft, the Satilla River Near Waycross.

The Satilla River is a 260-mile-long river located in southeastern Georgia, USA. The river has a rich history, dating back to prehistoric times, and was used by Native Americans for transportation and fishing. Today, the Satilla River is an important resource for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, camping, and hiking. The river is also used for agricultural purposes, including irrigation and livestock watering. The Satilla River watershed encompasses over 4,000 square miles and is home to several large reservoirs and dams, including the Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee dams. These reservoirs provide drinking water, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities for local communities. Despite its importance, the Satilla River has faced several environmental challenges, including pollution and habitat loss, which have threatened its ecological health.

Last Updated 2025-02-06
Discharge Volume 5,373 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 2,709.0 cfs
-31.0 cfs (-1.13%)
Percent of Normal 66.33%
Maximum 36,210.0 cfs
2013-03-05
Seasonal Avg 4,084 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Satilla River Near Waycross
USGS 02226500
740 cfs 10.47 ft -6.1
Satilla River At Atkinson
USGS 02228000
1690 cfs 9.47 ft 1.72
History of the River

The Satilla River rises in Ben Hill County, Georgia, near the town of Fitzgerald, and flows in a mostly easterly direction to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its approximately 235-mile (378 km) course are the cities of Waycross, Waynesville, and Woodbine. The Satilla drains almost 4,000 square miles (10,000 km2) of land, all of it in the coastal plain of southeastern Georgia. It has white sandbars and is the largest blackwater river situated entirely within Georgia.The river derives its name from a Spanish officer named Saint Illa, and over time the name was corrupted to form the word Satilla.The Satilla enters the Atlantic Ocean about 10 miles (16 km) south of Brunswick, at the 31st parallel north. Satilla River Marsh Island is one of the few places in Georgia for observing nesting sites of brown pelicans.In May 2010, the city of Waycross purchased the Bandalong Litter Trap and installed it in Tebeau Creek, a tributary of the Satilla River. The trap was invented in Australia, but is manufactured in the United States by Storm Water Systems. Although the city has maintained a good standing with the Environmental Protection Division, the city wanted to take action to reduce the amount of human generated trash entering the Satilla River and, ultimately, the Atlantic Ocean. Governor Sonny Perdue said, "Water is one of Georgia's most important and precious resources... the litter trap installed by Waycross is a model of stewardship for the state and the nation." The Satilla River litter trap is the first in Georgia and only the second in the nation.

       

Get Unparalelled Insights

Explore the 3D Map


Weather Forecast