Last Updated | 2024-11-20 |
Discharge Volume | 24,391 ACRE-FT |
Streamflow |
12,297.0 cfs
+3935.7 cfs (+47.07%) |
Percent of Normal | 116.12% |
Maximum |
144,210.0 cfs
2020-03-07 |
Seasonal Avg | 10,590 cfs |
Total streamflow across the
Tallapoosa River
was last observed at
12,297
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
24,391
acre-ft of water today; about 116%
of normal.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
10,590 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2020-03-07 when daily discharge volume was observed at
144,210 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Tallapoosa River Near Mont.-Mont. Water Works
reporting a streamflow rate of 8,730 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Tallapoosa River, with a gauge stage of
10.69 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the Tallapoosa River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 919 ft, the
Tallapoosa River Below Tallapoosa.
The Tallapoosa River, located in Alabama, is approximately 265 miles long and has a rich history dating back to the Creek Indian Wars. The river is fed by several smaller tributaries, including the Little Tallapoosa River and the Chatahoochee River. The hydrology of the river is affected by several dams and reservoirs, including Yates Dam and Lake Martin, Harris Dam and Lake Wedowee, and Thurlow Dam and Lake Tallassee. These dams provide hydroelectric power, flood control, and recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The Tallapoosa River also plays a significant role in agricultural practices, providing irrigation for crops such as cotton and soybeans. Despite its importance to the local economy, the river has faced ecological challenges such as pollution and habitat destruction in recent decades.
Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tallapoosa River Below Tallapoosa
USGS 02411930 |
599 cfs | 3.35 ft | 1162.64 | |||||
Tallapoosa River Near Heflin
USGS 02412000 |
1400 cfs | 6.57 ft | 308.33 | |||||
Tallapoosa River At Wadley Al
USGS 02414500 |
4280 cfs | 6.37 ft | 160.59 | |||||
Tallapoosa River Nr New Site
USGS 02414715 |
2090 cfs | 3.8 ft | 29.39 | |||||
Tallapoosa River Near Mont.-Mont. Water Works
USGS 02419890 |
8730 cfs | 10.69 ft | 6.62 |
The Tallapoosa River runs 265 miles (426 km) from the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, United States, southward and westward into Alabama. It is formed by the confluence of McClendon Creek and Mud Creek in Paulding County, Georgia. Lake Martin at Alexander City, Alabama is a large and popular water recreation area formed by a dam on the river. The Tallapoosa joins the Coosa River about 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Montgomery near Wetumpka (in Elmore County) to form the Alabama River.
There are four hydroelectric dams on the Tallapoosa: Yates, Thurlow, Martin and Harris dams. They are important sources of electricity generation for Alabama Power (a unit of the Southern Company) and recreation for the public.