Tallapoosa River River Levels

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

The Tallapoosa River, located in Alabama, is approximately 265 miles long and has a rich history dating back to the Creek Indian Wars.


Summary

Total streamflow across the Tallapoosa River was last observed at 3,375 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 6,695 acre-ft of water today; about 14% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 24,619 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 1,130 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Tallapoosa River At Wadley Al with a gauge stage of 3.7 ft. 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.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-29
Discharge Volume 6,695 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 3,375.4 cfs
-159.5 cfs (-4.51%)
Percent of Normal 13.71%
Maximum 144,210.0 cfs
2020-03-07
Seasonal Avg 24,619 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Tallapoosa River Below Tallapoosa
USGS 02411930
80 cfs 1.48 ft 1.47
Tallapoosa River Near Heflin
USGS 02412000
156 cfs 2.85 ft -1.27
Tallapoosa River At Wadley Al
USGS 02414500
1080 cfs 3.7 ft 15.3
Tallapoosa River Nr New Site
USGS 02414715
929 cfs 2.98 ft -36
Tallapoosa River Near Mont.-Mont. Water Works
USGS 02419890
1130 cfs 3.5 ft 11.76
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

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.