United States Geological Services (USGS) maintains stream gauges on streams and rivers around West Virginia as well as all other states. These gages actively monitor water levels and sometimes other data is collected such as water temperature, pH, and conductivity. Current data typically are recorded at 15- to 60-minute intervals, stored onsite, and then transmitted to USGS offices every 1 to 4 hours, depending on the data relay technique used.
Access stream gauge information by visiting waterdata.usgs.gov/wv/nwis/rt. Simply hover your mouse over the dots on the map to see which gauge is represented. Once you find the gauge you are interested in, double click the dot to expand the page to see graphs and other information collected by that gauge.
Anglers and boaters are encouraged to check water levels frequently to become familiar with changing water levels on waters that they use regularly. Checking gauges upstream of where you plan to fish, or boat can alert you to changing water levels that may impact your outing. Steep increases in flow at gauges upstream indicate quickly rising water levels so please be alert to changes prior to hitting the waters.
Due to the topography in West Virginia, the water levels in our streams can rise or fall in a relatively short period. Your knowledge and familiarity with these stream gauges can be the difference between a fun outing or a ruined event. If you have any questions, please contact your district fishery biologist for more information.