2 USGS Streamgages · Sacramento River system
Mf American River flows and levels
Mf American River is gauged at 2 USGS streamgages in California, each tracked by Rivermatics. It feeds the Middle Fork American River. It drains into the Sacramento River system. Drainage area at the gauges ranges from 88 square miles at MF American River Ab MF Ph near Foresthill, CA up to 524 at MF American River near Foresthill, CA.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MF American River Ab MF Ph near Foresthill, CA | CA | 88 | — | 160.6 | 26.8 | — |
| MF American River near Foresthill, CA | CA | 524 | — | 1,488 | 667.2 | — |
Typical flow by month at MF American River near Foresthill, 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 67 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 | 160.3 | 784.3 | 3,224.2 | |
| February | 313.7 | 1,142.8 | 3,328.3 | |
| March | 466.2 | 1,376.5 | 3,600.3 | |
| April | 390.3 | 1,488 | 3,546.3 | |
| May | 282.7 | 1,156.6 | 3,496.8 | |
| June | 292.7 | 768.2 | 2,056.3 | |
| July | 135.5 | 667.2 | 1,190.3 | |
| August | 87.8 | 703.9 | 1,074.5 | |
| September | 83.4 | 577.2 | 1,016.5 | |
| October | 75.6 | 210 | 930.3 | |
| November | 103.3 | 467.8 | 1,156.5 | |
| December | 132.5 | 614.6 | 2,287.7 |
All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Common questions
- When does the Mf American River run highest?
- April, on the long-term record at MF American River near Foresthill, CA — the furthest-downstream gauge Rivermatics tracks on this river. Median daily flow there is about 1,488 cfs that month, against 210 cfs in October, 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 Mf American River?
- Rivermatics tracks 2 USGS streamgages on the Mf 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 Mf American River part of?
- The Mf 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 Mf 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
- American River 2 gauges
- Canyon C 2 gauges