USGS Streamgage 11427500
MF American River A French Meadows, CA
MF American River A French Meadows, CA is USGS streamgage 11427500 in California, monitoring river discharge in hydrologic subbasin 18020128. It drains a watershed of about 48 square miles. Discharge records at this site go back to 1951. Typical flow runs near 9.8 cfs in July and 13.1 cfs in April, with the higher of the two arriving in April.
Gauge details
- State
- California
- Drainage area
- 48 sq mi
- Gauge elevation
- 4,920 ft
- Subbasin (HUC-8)
- 18020128
- Coordinates
- 39.10963, -120.48131
- USGS site number
- 11427500
- Records begin
- 1951-10-01 (75 years)
Typical flow by month
Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 74 years of data), averaged within each month. These describe the historical normal range — they are not a forecast and not today's reading.
| Month | Low p10 | Typical p50 | High p90 | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8 | 11.5 | 39.5 | |
| February | 8.2 | 12 | 79.3 | |
| March | 9.1 | 13.8 | 101.7 | |
| April | 9.1 | 13.1 | 327.5 | |
| May | 7.8 | 12.3 | 585.3 | |
| June | 6.9 | 11.2 | 334.9 | |
| July | 6 | 9.8 | 53.9 | |
| August | 3.5 | 9.4 | 11.8 | |
| September | 1.6 | 9.3 | 11.4 | |
| October | 1.8 | 9 | 32.7 | |
| November | 4.5 | 9.7 | 23.7 | |
| December | 6.3 | 10.3 | 33.7 |
All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Common questions
- When does MF American River A French Meadows, CA normally run highest?
- March, on the long-term record. The median daily flow that month is about 13.8 cfs, against 9 cfs in October, the lowest month. These are historical normals for the date, not a forecast and not today's reading.
- What is a normal flow for MF American River A French Meadows, CA?
- It depends on the month. In January, half of days historically fall near 11.5 cfs, with the middle 80% of days between 8 and 39.5 cfs. The month-by-month table on this page gives the full range.
- How long has MF American River A French Meadows, CA been measured?
- Discharge records at USGS site 11427500 begin in 1951, about 75 years, covering roughly 8,821 days of published daily values. The long record is what makes the monthly percentiles on this page meaningful.
- Where is MF American River A French Meadows, CA?
- The gauge sits at 39.10963, -120.48131, in California, in hydrologic subbasin 18020128, at an elevation of about 4,920 feet, draining roughly 48 square miles.
- Can I use MF American River A French Meadows, CA data for flood or safety decisions?
- No. Rivermatics provides estimates, not guarantees, and the readings and forecasts here may be delayed, inaccurate, or wrong. Do not use them for navigation or for any safety, rescue, or emergency decision. Check the National Weather Service and USGS directly, and use your own judgment.
Other gauges in this subbasin
- Duncan Cyn C below Diversion Dam near French Meadows, CA
- MF American River Ab MF Ph near Foresthill, CA
- Rubicon River below Hell Hole Dam, CA
- SF Rubicon River below Robbs Pk Forebay near Kyburz, CA
- Gerle C below Loon Lake near Meeks Bay, CA
- Gerle C Low Flow Release below Gerle Reservoir near Meeks Bay
- MF American River near Foresthill, CA
- NF American River A Auburn Dam Site near Auburn, CA