River Monitor
Conserving, Protecting and Restoring Ohio’s Coldwater Fisheries and Their Watersheds
Become a Member
Attend an Event
Trout Unlimited Dashboard
Mad River Monitor
Loading...
Live USGS Data
Air Temp
--
Loading...
Rain (72hr)
--
Loading...
Daylight
--
Loading...
Wind
--
Loading...
Streamflow Gauges
7-Day Flow History
Shaded gray band = typical CFS range for this month (historical average). Dashed red line = safe-wading threshold (200 CFS).
River Access — Live Spot Conditions
Safe to Wade (<200 CFS)
Caution (200–220 CFS)
Limited (220–250 CFS)
STAY OUT (>250 CFS)
↑
Water Rising RapidlyUnderstanding Wading Safety
What does CFS mean and why do these thresholds matter?
CFS (cubic feet per second) measures how much water flows past a point in the river every second. Higher CFS means faster, deeper, more powerful water. These thresholds are based on conditions specific to the Mad River Monitor and guidance from Trout Unlimited — other rivers may have different safe levels.
Even at "safe" flow levels, always exercise caution: wear appropriate footwear, use a wading staff in unfamiliar areas, and never wade alone. Cold water (below 60°F) increases hypothermia risk — wear insulated waders in spring and fall.
● <200 CFS — Safe to Wade
◆ 200–220 CFS — Caution
■ 220–250 CFS — Limited Wading
▲ >250 CFS — Stay Out
Data provided in cooperation with
Upcoming Events
Latest News
- Reminder: Mad River TU Annual Meeting – April 18
- Mad River Drift Newsletter - March 2026
- Mad River Drift Newsletter - December 2025
- Help our local fly-fishing community!
- Exciting news from our local fly-fishing community!
- 10/3/25 -International Fly Fishing Film Festival at Nocterra Brewing, Powell
- Mad River Cleanup - September 20