Yahara River

Total streamflow across the Yahara River was last observed at 1,322 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 2,622 acre-ft of water today; about 83% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,587 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 Near Fulton reporting a streamflow rate of 483 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 10.04 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.

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.