TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Shenango River
was last observed at
3,251
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
6,448
acre-ft of water today; about 118%
of normal.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
2,754 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2018-03-02 when daily discharge volume was observed at
8,309 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Shenango River Near Transfer
reporting a streamflow rate of 2,130 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam
with a gauge stage of 5.74 ft.
This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Shenango River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 976 ft, the
Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam.
The Shenango River is a tributary of the Allegheny River, running through northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. It is approximately 82 miles long and has a drainage basin of 1,130 square miles. The river was once used for transportation and as a source of water for local industries. Today, it is a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. There are several reservoirs and dams along the river, including the Shenango River Lake, Pymatuning Reservoir, and Shenango Dam. These structures provide flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power. The river also serves as a vital source of water for agriculture in the surrounding areas. Despite past pollution from industries and agriculture, efforts have been made to improve water quality and restore the river's ecosystem.
| Last Updated | 2024-12-30 |
| Discharge Volume | 6,448 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
3,251.0 cfs
+1621.0 cfs (+99.45%) |
| Percent of Normal | 118.06% |
| Maximum |
8,309.0 cfs
2018-03-02 |
| Seasonal Avg | 2,754 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam
USGS 03101500 |
522 cfs | 5.74 ft | 17.83 | |||||
|
Shenango River Near Transfer
USGS 03102850 |
2130 cfs | 5.58 ft | 253.82 | |||||
|
Shenango River At Sharpsville
USGS 03103500 |
599 cfs | 3.35 ft | 2.39 |
History of the River
The Shenango River is a principal tributary of the Beaver River, approximately 100 mi (160 km) long, in western Pennsylvania in the United States. It also briefly flows through small portions of northeastern Ohio. Via the Beaver and Ohio Rivers, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River.
The Shenango, whose name comes from the Iroquoian "Shanango," meaning "the beautiful one," rises in west-central Crawford County and initially flows northwestwardly into the Pymatuning Reservoir, which was formed in 1934 by the construction of a dam on the river. The lake turns to the south, widening into Ashtabula County, Ohio, and passing through Pymatuning State Park. Below the dam and after returning fully to Pennsylvania, the Shenango flows south-southeastwardly into Mercer County, flowing through Jamestown and Greenville before turning westwardly into Shenango River Lake, formed in 1965 by a United States Army Corps of Engineers dam. Below that dam, the Shenango flows southwestwardly through the communities of Sharpsville and Sharon (near which it briefly enters Trumbull County, Ohio); then south-southeastwardly past Farrell, Wheatland and West Middlesex into Lawrence County, where it passes New Castle and Oakland. It joins the Mahoning River to form the Beaver River, 3 mi (4.8 km) southwest of New Castle.Tributaries of the Shenango include the short Little Shenango River, which flows for its entire length in Mercer County and joins the Shenango from the east at Greenville; Pymatuning Creek, which flows into Shenango River Lake; and Neshannock Creek, which joins the river at New Castle.