3 USGS Streamgages
Kern River flows and levels
Kern River is gauged at 3 USGS streamgages in California, each tracked by Rivermatics. The mainstem runs about 164 miles (264 km) from headwaters to outlet. Drainage area at the gauges ranges from 846 square miles at Kern River near Kernville (River Only), CA up to 2,258 at Kern River near Democrat Springs (Total Flow), CA. The gauged reach falls about 1,782 feet, from 3,620 feet down to 1,838.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kern River near Kernville (River Only), CA | CA | 846 | 3,620 | 418.9 | 160.1 | — |
| Kern River near Democrat Springs(River Only), CA | CA | 2,258 | 1,838 | 324.4 | 1,069.2 | — |
| Kern River near Democrat Springs (Total Flow), CA | CA | 2,258 | — | 672.1 | 1,389 | — |
Typical flow by month at Kern River near Democrat Springs (Total Flow), CA
The furthest-downstream gauge on this river, so the fullest flow it carries here. Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 75 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 | 178.6 | 348.3 | 840.8 | |
| February | 217.9 | 424.9 | 1,122.7 | |
| March | 309.6 | 568.8 | 1,476.1 | |
| April | 375.1 | 672.1 | 2,770.7 | |
| May | 397 | 887.6 | 4,091.6 | |
| June | 536.6 | 1,433.3 | 4,392 | |
| July | 509.4 | 1,389 | 3,371.9 | |
| August | 317.6 | 966.6 | 2,683.5 | |
| September | 152.4 | 472.4 | 1,596.3 | |
| October | 135.4 | 287.5 | 1,411.9 | |
| November | 146.2 | 243.2 | 1,027 | |
| December | 157 | 284.8 | 615.7 |
All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Common questions
- When does the Kern River run highest?
- June, on the long-term record at Kern River near Democrat Springs (Total Flow), CA — the furthest-downstream gauge Rivermatics tracks on this river. Median daily flow there is about 1,433.3 cfs that month, against 243.2 cfs in November, the lowest. Upstream gauges peak on their own schedule; the table on this page gives April and July for each.
- How many gauges are on the Kern River?
- Rivermatics tracks 3 USGS streamgages on the Kern 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.
- Can I use Kern 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.