YAHARA RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 25, 2024
43.15, -89.41


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Yahara River was last observed at 1,791 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 3,552 acre-ft of water today; about 135% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,329 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 580 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 9.17 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 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.

Last Updated 2024-12-25
Discharge Volume 3,552 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,791.0 cfs
+8.8 cfs (+0.49%)
Percent of Normal 134.79%
Maximum 6,960.0 cfs
2019-03-15
Seasonal Avg 1,329 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Yahara River At Windsor
USGS 05427718
16 cfs 1.36 ft -2.52
Yahara River At East Main Street At Madison
USGS 05428500
244 cfs 4.94 ft -3.56
Yahara River At State Hwy 113 At Madison
USGS 05427850
47 cfs 9.17 ft -3.73
Yahara River At Mc Farland
USGS 05429500
337 cfs 4.17 ft 7.67
Yahara River At Forton St. Bridge At Stoughton
USGS 05429700
568 cfs 7.21 ft 3.27
Yahara River Near Fulton
USGS 05430175
580 cfs 4.99 ft -3.65
History of the River

The Yahara River is a tributary of the Rock River in southern Wisconsin in the United States. It is about 62 miles (100 km) long (including the distance across intervening lakes), and drains an area of 536 square miles (1,390 km2). Via the Rock River, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River. The Yahara River links the lakes around which the city of Madison was built.

       

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