Summary
Total streamflow across the
Spoon River
was last observed at
152
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
302
acre-ft of water today; about 8%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
1,937 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 89.4 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Spoon River, with a gauge stage of
4.7 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.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-04 |
| Discharge Volume | 302 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
152.1 cfs
-3.8 cfs (-2.44%) |
| Percent of Normal | 7.85% |
| Maximum |
40,400.0 cfs
2013-05-31 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spoon River At London Mills
USGS 05569500 |
63 cfs | 1.82 ft | 0 | |||||
|
Spoon River At Seville
USGS 05570000 |
89 cfs | 4.7 ft | -4.08 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
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.