Summary
Total streamflow across the
Satilla River
was last observed at
171
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
339
acre-ft of water today; about 16%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
1,075 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 137 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Satilla River Near Waycross
with a gauge stage of 4.74 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.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-04 |
| Discharge Volume | 339 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
170.8 cfs
-3.7 cfs (-2.12%) |
| Percent of Normal | 15.89% |
| Maximum |
36,210.0 cfs
2013-03-05 |
| Seasonal Avg | 1,075 cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Satilla River Near Waycross
USGS 02226500 |
34 cfs | 4.74 ft | -7.4 | |||||
|
Satilla River At Atkinson
USGS 02228000 |
137 cfs | 3.32 ft | -0.72 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
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.