Red Flag Warning
2026-03-05T18:00:00-07:00

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 241, 246 and 247. * TIMING...From noon to 6 PM MST Thursday. * WINDS...South 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.


TUOLUMNE RIVER

Last Updated: March 4, 2026

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 6 streamgages of the Tuolumne River


Summary

Total streamflow across the Tuolumne River was last observed at 7,552 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 14,979 acre-ft of water today; about 113% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 6,661 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2023-05-26 when daily discharge volume was observed at 51,230 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Tuolumne R A Modesto Ca reporting a streamflow rate of 3,060 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Tuolumne River, with a gauge stage of 44.55 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 6 different streamgauging stations along the Tuolumne River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 3,831 ft, the Tuolumne R A Grand Cyn Of Tuolumne Ab Hetch Hetchy.




15-Day Weather Outlook


River Details

Last Updated 2026-03-04
Discharge Volume 14,979 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 7,552.0 cfs
-69.0 cfs (-0.91%)
Percent of Normal 113.38%
Maximum 51,230.0 cfs
2023-05-26
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Tuolumne R A Grand Cyn Of Tuolumne Ab Hetch Hetchy
USGS 11274790
656 cfs 10.51 ft -12.3
Tuolumne R Nr Hetch Hetchy Ca
USGS 11276500
127 cfs 3.6 ft -0.78
Tuolumne R Ab Early Intake Nr Mather Ca
USGS 11276600
197 cfs 13.07 ft -5.74
Tuolumne R Bl Early Intake Nr Mather Ca
USGS 11276900
816 cfs 5.41 ft -0.85
Tuolumne R Bl Lagrange Dam Nr Lagrange Ca
USGS 11289650
3020 cfs 10.07 ft 1
Tuolumne R A Modesto Ca
USGS 11290000
3060 cfs 44.55 ft 0
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The river has a rich history, having been home to indigenous communities for thousands of years and later serving as a vital transportation route during the California Gold Rush. Today, the river is used for agricultural irrigation and hydropower generation. It is also home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Don Pedro Dam, the New Don Pedro Reservoir, and the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. These provide drinking water to the San Francisco Bay Area and irrigation water to the Central Valley. The Tuolumne River is also popular for recreational activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and whitewater rafting.