Yahara River

Streamflow Hydrology Weather


Yahara River Levels

September 21 2023

1,065 ACRE-FT

Discharge Volume Today
-35.6 cfs (-6.22%) since yesterday
41.78% of normal Very Low

Total streamflow across the Yahara River was last observed at 537 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,065 acre-ft of water today; about 42% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,285 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-03-15 when daily discharge volume was observed at 6,960 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Yahara River At Mc Farland reporting a streamflow rate of 220 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Yahara River At State Hwy 113 At Madison with a gauge stage of 9.71 ft. This river is monitored from 6 different streamgauging stations along the Yahara River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 875 ft, the Yahara River At Windsor.

Last Updated 2023-09-21
Streamflow 536.8 cfs
Percent of Normal 41.78%
Maximum 6,960.0 cfs
2019-03-15

About the yahara river


The Yahara River is a 65-mile long tributary of the Rock River in southern Wisconsin. The name “Yahara” is a Native American word meaning “sparkling waters”. The river is an important source of water supply for the city of Madison and provides a habitat for many fish and wildlife species. The Yahara River has several reservoirs and dams. The most well-known of these is Lake Mendota, which is the largest of the four lakes that the Yahara River flows through. Other reservoirs include Lake Monona, Lake Waubesa, and Lake Kegonsa. These reservoirs provide recreational opportunities for the local community, including fishing, boating, and swimming. The Yahara River also has agricultural uses, as it passes through many farms in the region. However, the river has experienced water quality issues due to agricultural runoff and urbanization.

Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Yahara River At Windsor
USGS 05427718
16 cfs 1.31 ft -3.73
Yahara River At East Main Street At Madison
USGS 05428500
57 cfs 4.94 ft -19.15
Yahara River At State Hwy 113 At Madison
USGS 05427850
58 cfs 9.71 ft -15.23
Yahara River At Mc Farland
USGS 05429500
220 cfs 4.51 ft 73.23
Yahara River At Forton St. Bridge At Stoughton
USGS 05429700
196 cfs 6.84 ft 2.08
Yahara River Near Fulton
USGS 05430175
210 cfs 4.4 ft -6.67

Peak Annual Discharge

Yahara River Maximum Total Discharge

Seasonal Comparison

Yahara River Year Over Year Discharge


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