Streamflow & Irrigation Watch
Track real-time USGS streamflow and near-term rainfall forecasts to plan irrigation with confidence. Set your minimum flow threshold and watch trends over the past week.
- Loads 7 days of discharge and gage height from USGS.
- Highlights low-flow periods vs your threshold.
- Adds NWS quantitative precipitation to anticipate runoff.
Find a Gage
Streamflow Trend
Precipitation Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a USGS streamflow gage?
USGS gages measure stream stage and discharge at fixed points across the country. Each gage reports near real-time flow in cubic feet per second, plus historical statistics for the same calendar date. The data is the standard reference for water rights, flood forecasting, and irrigation planning.
How do I find a gage near my field?
Use the search by ZIP code or stream name. The tool returns the nearest active USGS gages with current flow data. If your stream is unmonitored, look for the nearest tributary on the same drainage.
Is the rain forecast included for my location?
Yes. The tool pulls a National Weather Service point forecast for the same location and shows projected precipitation alongside current streamflow, so you can anticipate how soon a storm will move through your watershed.
How is this different from a weather app?
A weather app shows what is falling from the sky. This tool shows what is moving in your stream right now plus what is coming. For irrigation, livestock water, or flood planning, both data layers matter.
Are there gages everywhere?
Coverage is best in agricultural and populated areas. Headwaters, intermittent streams, and small drainages may have no gages. The map shows what is available; if your area is sparse, the nearest mainstem gage is usually the best proxy.