SPOON RIVER

Last Updated: April 19, 2026

Total streamflow across the Spoon River was last observed at 12,640 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 25,071 acre-ft of water today; about 402% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 3,146 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2013-05-31 when daily discharge volume was observed at 40,400 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Spoon River At Seville reporting a streamflow rate of 7,070 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Spoon River, with a gauge stage of 18.1 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Spoon River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 557 ft, the Spoon River At London Mills.

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 2 streamgages of the Spoon River


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-04-19
Discharge Volume 25,071 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 12,640.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: +7900.0 cfs (+166.67%)
Percent of Normal 401.74%
Maximum 40,400.0 cfs
2013-05-31
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
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Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Spoon River At London Mills
USGS 05569500 		5570 cfs 14.08 ft 229.59
Spoon River At Seville
USGS 05570000 		7070 cfs 18.1 ft 131.8
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
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Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

Historically, the river played a significant role in transportation and commerce in the region, and the towns along its banks grew with the rise of the agricultural industry. The river is fed by several tributaries and is dammed in several places to form reservoirs, including the Canton Lake and the Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area. These reservoirs serve as water sources and offer recreational opportunities like boating and fishing. However, the river faces challenges from pollution and agricultural runoff, which threaten the health of its ecosystem. The Spoon River has been immortalized in literature by Edgar Lee Masters in his book "Spoon River Anthology" which depicts the lives of the people buried in the cemetery in the fictional town of Spoon River.