• River Levels

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SPRING RIVER

River Levels • Streamflow • Hydrology

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Total streamflow across the Spring River was last observed at 5,157 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 10,229 acre-ft of water today; about 62% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 8,324 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2017-05-01 when daily discharge volume was observed at 270,520 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Spring River At Imboden reporting a streamflow rate of 1,760 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Spring River Near Quapaw with a gauge stage of 6.78 ft. This river is monitored from 6 different streamgauging stations along the Spring River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,020 ft, the Spring River At Larussell.

The Spring River is a popular river in the southern United States that runs through Missouri and Arkansas. It is approximately 57 miles long and has a rich history dating back to the Native American era. The river is fed by numerous springs, including the famous Mammoth Spring, and is known for its clear water and scenic beauty. The river has several reservoirs and dams, including the Hardy Dam and the Dam Three reservoir. These help to regulate the water flow and provide recreational opportunities for fishing and boating. The Spring River is also used for agricultural purposes, with many farms located along its banks. The river attracts thousands of tourists every year for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and camping, making it an important source of economic activity for the region.

March 11, 2025

Last Updated	2025-03-11
Discharge Volume	10,229 ACRE-FT
Streamflow	5,157.0 cfs -393.0 cfs (-7.08%)
Percent of Normal	61.95%
Maximum	270,520.0 cfs 2017-05-01
Seasonal Avg	8,324 cfs

History of the River

The Spring River is a 57-mile (92 km) long river which flows through the U.S. states of Missouri and Arkansas. It consists of two branches, the South Fork of the Spring River and the Spring River proper. The South Fork of the Spring River starts in Howell County, Missouri and flows south through Fulton and Sharp counties in Arkansas. The South Fork of the Spring River joins the Spring River proper near the town of Hardy, Arkansas. The South Fork is a quiet stream with gravelly bars that are ideal for camping.The Spring River proper begins where Mammoth Spring and Warm Fork of the Spring River merge at Mammoth Spring State Park in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. Mammoth Spring is the outlet of an underground river that runs from Missouri into Arkansas. Over 9.78 million US gallons (37,000 m3) per hour flow out of the massive spring and forms the Spring River. Being predominantly spring fed with water averaging 58 °F (14 °C), the river is kept cool during warmer months and is suitable trout habitate for several miles.
The Spring River proper is a popular destination for tourists, canoers, and for riding inner tubes ("toobers"). The most popular stretch of the river is between Mammoth Spring and the tourist town of Hardy. Below Hardy, the Spring River flows past Ravenden, Arkansas and Imboden, Arkansas to its confluence with the Eleven Point River near Old Davidsonville State Park. The Spring River joins the Black River near Black Rock, Arkansas. There are a variety of outfitters along the river who provide supplies, canoe rental, and shuttle services in the area between Mammoth Spring and Hardy. Several resorts provide lodging for tourists.The Spring River has a diverse population of fish including trout, walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, and tiger muskies. A state record tiger muskie weighing 23 lb 12 oz (10.8 kg) was caught in the river in 1995. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission maintains a trout hatchery on the river and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service operates another on the river near Mammoth Spring.