YAHARA RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 7, 2025


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Yahara River was last observed at 944 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,871 acre-ft of water today; about 87% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,089 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 Forton St. Bridge At Stoughton reporting a streamflow rate of 742 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 8.66 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 2025-02-06
Discharge Volume 1,871 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 943.5 cfs
+384.0 cfs (+68.63%)
Percent of Normal 86.67%
Maximum 6,960.0 cfs
2019-03-15
Seasonal Avg 1,089 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
22 cfs 1.16 ft 3.72
Yahara River At East Main Street At Madison
USGS 05428500
133 cfs 4.25 ft 1.53
Yahara River At State Hwy 113 At Madison
USGS 05427850
74 cfs 8.66 ft 24.92
Yahara River At Mc Farland
USGS 05429500
277 cfs 3.57 ft 2.97
Yahara River At Forton St. Bridge At Stoughton
USGS 05429700
742 cfs 6.57 ft -3.51
Yahara River Near Fulton
USGS 05430175
437 cfs 4.46 ft 7.37
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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