Understand the measurement

Streamflow

Streamflow—also called discharge—is the volume of water moving past a point over time, often reported in cubic feet per second.

How to read it

One parameter, one meaning

Streamflow is not gage height. Two locations can have similar heights and very different flows because channel geometry, controls, and backwater conditions differ.

Units and station datums remain attached to the source observation. LakeRiverNow converts only through tested, explicit functions.

Safety limitation

A number is not a verdict

Rising, falling, high, low, warm, or cold readings do not by themselves determine whether an activity is safe. Official alerts and local conditions take priority.

Read safety limitations

Recorded source examples