3 USGS Streamgages · Sacramento River system
Mccloud River flows and levels
Mccloud River is gauged at 3 USGS streamgages in California, each tracked by Rivermatics. The mainstem runs about 75 miles (121 km) from headwaters to outlet. It drains into the Sacramento River system. Drainage area at the gauges ranges from 358 square miles at McCloud River near McCloud, CA up to 604 at McCloud River Ab Shasta Lake, CA. The gauged reach falls about 1,611 feet, from 2,711 feet down to 1,100.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCloud River near McCloud, CA | CA | 358 | 2,711 | 1,059.7 | 825.7 | — |
| McCloud River below McCloud Dam near McCloud, CA | CA | 404 | — | 112 | 184.4 | — |
| McCloud River Ab Shasta Lake, CA | CA | 604 | 1,100 | 1,019.2 | 359.5 | — |
Typical flow by month at McCloud River Ab Shasta Lake, 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 80 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 | 291.3 | 890.3 | 3,433.5 | |
| February | 380.5 | 1,105.6 | 4,054.8 | |
| March | 461.2 | 1,349.4 | 3,271.3 | |
| April | 398.6 | 1,019.2 | 2,924 | |
| May | 328.7 | 656.4 | 2,252.3 | |
| June | 281.5 | 446.4 | 1,522.3 | |
| July | 256.5 | 359.5 | 1,216.8 | |
| August | 238.4 | 314.3 | 1,120.6 | |
| September | 250.1 | 315.9 | 1,070.7 | |
| October | 265.5 | 324.6 | 1,073.5 | |
| November | 285.9 | 394.4 | 1,396.7 | |
| December | 284.7 | 667.2 | 2,442.9 |
All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Common questions
- When does the Mccloud River run highest?
- March, on the long-term record at McCloud River Ab Shasta Lake, CA — the furthest-downstream gauge Rivermatics tracks on this river. Median daily flow there is about 1,349.4 cfs that month, against 314.3 cfs in August, 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 Mccloud River?
- Rivermatics tracks 3 USGS streamgages on the Mccloud 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 Mccloud River part of?
- The Mccloud 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 Mccloud 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
- Sf Feather River 3 gauges
- American River 2 gauges
- Canyon C 2 gauges
- M Yuba River 2 gauges