TALLAPOOSA RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 25, 2024
32.80, -85.80


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Tallapoosa River was last observed at 4,647 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 9,217 acre-ft of water today; about 16% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 28,444 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 1,970 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Tallapoosa River, with a gauge stage of 4.32 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.

Last Updated 2024-12-25
Discharge Volume 9,217 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 4,647.0 cfs
-425.0 cfs (-8.38%)
Percent of Normal 16.34%
Maximum 144,210.0 cfs
2020-03-07
Seasonal Avg 28,444 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Tallapoosa River Below Tallapoosa
USGS 02411930
110 cfs 1.56 ft -1.79
Tallapoosa River Near Heflin
USGS 02412000
175 cfs 2.99 ft -2.78
Tallapoosa River At Wadley Al
USGS 02414500
742 cfs 3.65 ft 7.54
Tallapoosa River Nr New Site
USGS 02414715
1650 cfs 3.53 ft -5.17
Tallapoosa River Near Mont.-Mont. Water Works
USGS 02419890
1970 cfs 4.32 ft -16.17
History of the River

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.

       

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