2 USGS Streamgages · Sacramento River system
American River flows and levels
American River is gauged at 2 USGS streamgages in California, each tracked by Rivermatics. It feeds the North Fork American River. It drains into the Sacramento River system. Drainage area at the gauges ranges from 1,863 square miles at American River below Folsom Dam near Folsom, CA up to 1,938 at American River below Watt Ave Brdg near Carmichael, CA. The gauged reach falls about 214 feet, from 239 feet down to 25.
Gauges on this river, upstream to downstream
Ordered by drainage area, which is how far down the river each gauge sits. April and July figures are long-term median daily flows for that month from the USGS record — historical normals, not a forecast and not today's reading.
| Gauge | State | Drainage sq mi | Elevation ft | April p50 cfs | July p50 cfs | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American River below Folsom Dam near Folsom, CA | CA | 1,863 | 239 | — | — | — |
| American River below Watt Ave Brdg near Carmichael, CA | CA | 1,938 | 25 | — | — | — |
Common questions
- How many gauges are on the American River?
- Rivermatics tracks 2 USGS streamgages on the American River, across California. Each has its own page with the site's full flow record and monthly normals. The river may carry other gauges that publish neither daily values nor discharge statistics; those are not tracked here.
- What river system is the American River part of?
- The American River drains into the Sacramento River system — it is a tributary somewhere in that chain, following the flowpath down to its terminal river. Rivermatics builds this from the USGS/geoconnex reference-mainstem network rather than from names.
- Can I use American River 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 rivers in the Sacramento River system
- Bear River 5 gauges
- Nf Feather River 4 gauges
- Sf American River 4 gauges
- Hat C 3 gauges
- Mccloud River 3 gauges
- Sf Feather River 3 gauges
- Canyon C 2 gauges
- M Yuba River 2 gauges