River levels, flow forecasts & floating conditions for US rivers.
Real-time streamflow discharge (CFS), stage height, and floatability scores for tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and fly fishing.
Arkansas River→
Arkansas River Near Leadville
💡 Current is swifter than leisure tubing sweet spot; increased obstacle hazards
Featured US Rivers & Gauges
Explore Rivers by Region
Pacific Northwest
177 riversWest Coast
43 riversSouthwest
222 riversGreat Lakes
60 riversGreat Plains
109 riversSoutheast
522 riversGulf Coast
24 riversAppalachia
60 riversMid-Atlantic
150 riversNortheast
275 riversHow the Riverable Floatability Index Works
We synthesize live USGS discharge telemetry with multi-day atmospheric models to give you an honest answer before you hit the water.
1. Real-Time Discharge (CFS)
Instantaneous water volume flow in cubic feet per second updated every 15 minutes from USGS river stations.
2. Craft Profile Tuning
Switch between Tubing (150–500 CFS), Rec Kayak (250–1,200 CFS), Whitewater (800–3,500+ CFS), and Fly Fishing (100–600 CFS) to recalibrate scoring thresholds.
3. Watershed Rain & Runoff
Open-Meteo precipitation models forecast runoff surges, water clarity trends, and optimal sunny daylight floating windows.
River Hydrography & Safety
Understanding CFS: What Is Cubic Feet Per Second in River Flow?
Master river discharge volume in CFS, visualize real-world flow rates, and discover ideal flow thresholds for tubing, kayaking, and rafting.
6 MIN READHow to Read a River Hydrograph: Spikes, Crests & Receding Limbs
A complete visual guide to reading USGS instantaneous hydrographs to predict river rise, flash peaks, and optimal clearing times.
5 MIN READRiver Tubing Safety: The Complete Checklist for Summer Floats
The ultimate guide to lazy river tubing: PFD regulations, proper river footwear, avoiding strainers, cooler tube setups, and heat safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is river flow data updated?
Streamflow discharge (CFS) and gauge height are updated every 15 to 60 minutes via USGS real-time satellite and cellular telemetry.
What is CFS and how do I interpret it?
CFS stands for Cubic Feet per Second (1 CFS ≈ 7.48 gallons/sec or 4 basketballs). 150–500 CFS is typical for gentle tubing, 250–1,200 CFS provides steady flow for rec kayaks, and 1,500+ CFS creates swift currents.
How does the Floatability Score work?
Our Floatability Engine (1–10) compares instantaneous discharge against craft-specific sweet-spot flow thresholds, applying deductions for cold water, air chill, high winds, and active precipitation risks.
Can I embed Riverable on my kayak shop or rental website?
Yes! We offer 100% free embeddable river flow badges. Visit our Widgets page to generate iframe snippets for any gauged river in the US.