TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Sweetwater River
was last observed at
49
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
97
acre-ft of water today; about 68%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
72 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2017-05-19 when daily discharge volume was observed at
2,720 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Sweetwater River Near Sweetwater Station
reporting a streamflow rate of 49.1 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Sweetwater R Nr Descanso Ca
with a gauge stage of 3.78 ft.
This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Sweetwater River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 6,593 ft, the
Sweetwater River Near Sweetwater Station.
The Sweetwater River is a 55-mile long river located in San Diego County, California. Historically, it was used by the Kumeyaay people for fishing and hunting. Today, it serves as a major source of water for the county. The river's hydrology is affected by both natural factors, such as rainfall, and man-made factors, including water diversion and dam operations. Specific reservoirs and dams on the Sweetwater River include Loveland Reservoir, Sweetwater Reservoir, and Lower Sweetwater Dam. These structures are used to store water for municipal and agricultural purposes. Recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping are popular along the river, though access can be limited due to private property rights.
| Last Updated | 2024-11-18 |
| Discharge Volume | 97 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
49.1 cfs
None cfs (None%) |
| Percent of Normal | 67.8% |
| Maximum |
2,720.0 cfs
2017-05-19 |
| Seasonal Avg | 72 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sweetwater River Near Sweetwater Station
USGS 06638090 |
49 cfs | 1.59 ft | 71.68 | |||||
|
Sweetwater River Near Alcova
USGS 06639000 |
27 cfs | 1.77 ft | -6.23 | |||||
|
Sweetwater R Nr Descanso Ca
USGS 11015000 |
0 cfs | 3.78 ft | 25 | |||||
|
Sweetwater R A Dehesa Ca
USGS 11016200 |
0 cfs | 2.91 ft | None |
History of the River
The Sweetwater River is a 55-mile (89 km) long stream in San Diego County, California.
From its headwaters high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the river flows generally southwest, first through rugged hinterlands but then into the urban areas surrounding its mouth at San Diego Bay. Its drainage basin covers more than 230 square miles (600 km2), all of it within San Diego County. Towns on the river include Descanso, La Presa and Chula Vista.
The term "Sweetwater" is a name often given to freshwater which tastes good in regions where much of the water is bitter to the taste. The Spanish called the river "Agua Dulce", a name they applied to good clear water anywhere they lived.