YELLOW RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 21, 2024
63.35, -160.05


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Yellow River was last observed at 2,615 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 5,187 acre-ft of water today; about 55% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 4,781 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2020-09-18 when daily discharge volume was observed at 68,265 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Yellow River Nr Milton reporting a streamflow rate of 1,260 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Yellow River Nr Oak Grove with a gauge stage of 80.64 ft. This river is monitored from 11 different streamgauging stations along the Yellow River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,024 ft, the Yellow River At Babcock.

The Yellow River, also known as the Huang He, is the second-longest river in China, stretching over 5,464 km. It has played a significant role in Chinese history, often referred to as the "cradle of Chinese civilization." The river is renowned for its yellow color, caused by the high levels of silt and sediment in the water. However, this sedimentation has also caused devastating floods throughout history. To mitigate this, China has constructed several dams and reservoirs, including the Xiaolangdi Dam and the Sanmenxia Dam. These structures provide hydroelectric power and aid in flood control. Additionally, the river is a crucial source of irrigation for agriculture, supporting millions of people who live along its banks. Recreational activities, such as boating and fishing, are also popular in the Yellow River.

Last Updated 2024-12-21
Discharge Volume 5,187 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 2,615.0 cfs
+235.0 cfs (+9.87%)
Percent of Normal 54.69%
Maximum 68,265.0 cfs
2020-09-18
Seasonal Avg 4,781 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Yellow River At Babcock
USGS 05402000
50 cfs 2.2 ft -14.33
Yellow River At Necedah
USGS 05403000
183 cfs 9.78 ft -11.59
Yellow River At Plymouth
USGS 05516500
99 cfs 4.75 ft 0
Yellow River At Ga 124
USGS 02207120
121 cfs 3.18 ft -3.97
Yellow River At Pleasant Hill Rd
USGS 02207220
149 cfs 1.68 ft 0
Yellow River At Knox
USGS 05517000
188 cfs 5.03 ft -5.53
Yellow River At Ion
USGS 05389000
61 cfs 5.45 ft 25.52
Yellow River At Gees Mill Road
USGS 02207335
201 cfs 1.97 ft -8.22
Yellow River Nr Oak Grove
USGS 02367900
347 cfs 80.64 ft -5.19
Yellow River At Milligan
USGS 02368000
436 cfs 1.46 ft -4.8
Yellow River Nr Milton
USGS 02369600
1260 cfs 36.68 ft 11.5
History of the River

The Yellow River or Huang He (listen ) is the second longest river in China, after the Yangtze River, and the sixth longest river system in the world at the estimated length of 5,464 km (3,395 mi). Originating in the Bayan Har Mountains in Qinghai province of Western China, it flows through nine provinces, and it empties into the Bohai Sea near the city of Dongying in Shandong province. The Yellow River basin has an east–west extent of about 1,900 kilometers (1,180 mi) and a north–south extent of about 1,100 km (680 mi). Its total drainage area is about 752,546 square kilometers (290,560 sq mi).
Its basin was the birthplace of ancient Chinese civilization, and it was the most prosperous region in early Chinese history. There are frequent devastating floods and course changes produced by the continual elevation of the river bed, sometimes above the level of its surrounding farm fields.

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