BUCKHANNON RIVER AT ALTON, WV
USGS 03052120 · West Virginia · reports discharge (live), gauge height
Reading BUCKHANNON RIVER AT ALTON, WV…
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USGS 03052120 · West Virginia · reports discharge (live), gauge height
What the agencies suggest
Stand back from the shoreline and be aware of surroundingsRhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Wading and boating should be avoided if waters are running high and muddy and the streambed is not visiblePennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 8:05 PM EST · provisional USGS data
Normal for Nov 5 Rising · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 184 readings from Oct 29, 9:05 PM EDT to Nov 5, 8:05 PM EST; ranging 46.5 to 77.7 ft³/s; latest 77.7 ft³/s; shaded band: typical range (25th–75th percentile) for each date.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) | Normal, 25th–75th (ft³/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 8:05 PM EST | 77.7 | 5.19 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 7:10 PM EST | 77.7 | 5.19 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 6:15 PM EST | 75.9 | 5.18 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 5:20 PM EST | 74.2 | 5.17 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 4:25 PM EST | 72.5 | 5.16 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 3:30 PM EST | 70.8 | 5.15 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 2:35 PM EST | 69.1 | 5.14 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 1:40 PM EST | 65.8 | 5.12 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 PM EST | 62.6 | 5.1 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 11:50 AM EST | 61.1 | 5.09 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 10:55 AM EST | 59.5 | 5.08 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 10:00 AM EST | 58 | 5.07 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 9:05 AM EST | 56.5 | 5.06 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 8:10 AM EST | 56.5 | 5.06 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 7:15 AM EST | 55 | 5.05 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 6:20 AM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 5:25 AM EST | 50.7 | 5.02 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 4:30 AM EST | 50.7 | 5.02 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 3:35 AM EST | 50.7 | 5.02 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 2:40 AM EST | 50.7 | 5.02 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 1:45 AM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 59–152 |
| Nov 5, 12:50 AM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 59–152 |
| Nov 4, 11:55 PM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 11:00 PM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 10:05 PM EST | 47.9 | 5 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 9:10 PM EST | 47.9 | 5 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 8:15 PM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 7:20 PM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 6:25 PM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 5:30 PM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 4:35 PM EST | 50.7 | 5.02 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 3:40 PM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 PM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 1:50 PM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 12:55 PM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 12:00 PM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 11:05 AM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 10:10 AM EST | 47.9 | 5 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 9:15 AM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 8:20 AM EST | 47.9 | 5 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 7:25 AM EST | 46.5 | 4.99 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 6:30 AM EST | 46.5 | 4.99 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 5:35 AM EST | 47.9 | 5 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 4:40 AM EST | 46.5 | 4.99 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 AM EST | 46.5 | 4.99 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 2:50 AM EST | 47.9 | 5 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 1:55 AM EST | 47.9 | 5 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 1:00 AM EST | 47.9 | 5 | 62–181 |
| Nov 4, 12:05 AM EST | 46.5 | 4.99 | 62–181 |
| Nov 3, 11:10 PM EST | 47.9 | 5 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 10:15 PM EST | 47.9 | 5 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 9:20 PM EST | 47.9 | 5 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 8:25 PM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 7:30 PM EST | 47.9 | 5 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 6:35 PM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 5:40 PM EST | 50.7 | 5.02 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 PM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 3:50 PM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 2:55 PM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 2:00 PM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 1:05 PM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 12:10 PM EST | 56.5 | 5.06 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 11:15 AM EST | 56.5 | 5.06 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 10:20 AM EST | 55 | 5.05 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 9:25 AM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 8:30 AM EST | 50.7 | 5.02 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 7:35 AM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 6:40 AM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 AM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 4:50 AM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 3:55 AM EST | 50.7 | 5.02 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 3:00 AM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 2:05 AM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 1:10 AM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 67–206 |
| Nov 3, 12:15 AM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 67–206 |
| Nov 2, 11:20 PM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 10:25 PM EST | 50.7 | 5.02 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 9:30 PM EST | 49.3 | 5.01 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 8:35 PM EST | 50.7 | 5.02 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 7:40 PM EST | 50.7 | 5.02 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 PM EST | 50.7 | 5.02 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 5:50 PM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 4:55 PM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 3:50 PM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 2:35 PM EST | 55 | 5.05 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 1:35 PM EST | 55 | 5.05 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 12:25 PM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 11:25 AM EST | 56.5 | 5.06 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 10:30 AM EST | 55 | 5.05 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 9:35 AM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 8:40 AM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 AM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 6:50 AM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 5:55 AM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 5:00 AM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 4:05 AM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 3:10 AM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 2:15 AM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 1:20 AM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 76–228 |
| Nov 2, 12:25 AM EST | 52.1 | 5.03 | 76–228 |
| Nov 1, 11:30 PM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 10:35 PM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 9:40 PM EST | 53.6 | 5.04 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 PM EST | 55 | 5.05 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 7:50 PM EST | 55 | 5.05 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 6:55 PM EST | 55 | 5.05 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 6:00 PM EST | 56.5 | 5.06 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 5:05 PM EST | 58 | 5.07 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 4:10 PM EST | 58 | 5.07 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 3:15 PM EST | 59.5 | 5.08 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 2:20 PM EST | 59.5 | 5.08 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 1:25 PM EST | 61.1 | 5.09 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 12:30 PM EST | 62.6 | 5.1 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 11:35 AM EST | 61.1 | 5.09 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 10:40 AM EST | 59.5 | 5.08 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 AM EST | 58 | 5.07 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 8:50 AM EST | 58 | 5.07 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 7:55 AM EST | 56.5 | 5.06 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 7:00 AM EST | 56.5 | 5.06 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 6:05 AM EST | 56.5 | 5.06 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 5:10 AM EST | 58 | 5.07 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 4:15 AM EST | 58 | 5.07 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 3:20 AM EST | 56.5 | 5.06 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 2:25 AM EST | 58 | 5.07 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 AM EST | 58 | 5.07 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 1:35 AM EDT | 58 | 5.07 | 85–288 |
| Nov 1, 12:40 AM EDT | 58 | 5.07 | 85–288 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 PM EDT | 59.5 | 5.08 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 10:50 PM EDT | 59.5 | 5.08 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 9:55 PM EDT | 59.5 | 5.08 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 9:00 PM EDT | 61.1 | 5.09 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 8:05 PM EDT | 59.5 | 5.08 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 7:10 PM EDT | 61.1 | 5.09 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 6:15 PM EDT | 62.6 | 5.1 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 5:20 PM EDT | 62.6 | 5.1 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 4:25 PM EDT | 64.2 | 5.11 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 3:30 PM EDT | 64.2 | 5.11 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 2:35 PM EDT | 64.2 | 5.11 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 1:40 PM EDT | 65.8 | 5.12 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 PM EDT | 65.8 | 5.12 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 11:50 AM EDT | 64.2 | 5.11 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 10:55 AM EDT | 62.6 | 5.1 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 10:00 AM EDT | 62.6 | 5.1 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 9:05 AM EDT | 62.6 | 5.1 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 8:10 AM EDT | 61.1 | 5.09 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 7:15 AM EDT | 61.1 | 5.09 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 6:20 AM EDT | 61.1 | 5.09 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 5:25 AM EDT | 61.1 | 5.09 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 4:30 AM EDT | 61.1 | 5.09 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 3:35 AM EDT | 61.1 | 5.09 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 2:40 AM EDT | 61.1 | 5.09 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 AM EDT | 61.1 | 5.09 | 62–278 |
| Oct 31, 12:50 AM EDT | 61.1 | 5.09 | 62–278 |
| Oct 30, 11:55 PM EDT | 61.1 | 5.09 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 11:00 PM EDT | 62.6 | 5.1 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 10:05 PM EDT | 62.6 | 5.1 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 9:10 PM EDT | 62.6 | 5.1 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 8:15 PM EDT | 64.2 | 5.11 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 7:20 PM EDT | 64.2 | 5.11 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 6:25 PM EDT | 65.8 | 5.12 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 5:30 PM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 4:35 PM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 3:40 PM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 PM EDT | 69.1 | 5.14 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 1:50 PM EDT | 64.2 | 5.11 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 12:55 PM EDT | 70.8 | 5.15 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 12:00 PM EDT | 70.8 | 5.15 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 11:05 AM EDT | 69.1 | 5.14 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 10:10 AM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 9:15 AM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 8:20 AM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 7:25 AM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 6:30 AM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 5:35 AM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 4:40 AM EDT | 65.8 | 5.12 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 AM EDT | 65.8 | 5.12 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 2:50 AM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 1:55 AM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 1:00 AM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 30, 12:05 AM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 38–233 |
| Oct 29, 11:10 PM EDT | 67.5 | 5.13 | 39–188 |
| Oct 29, 10:15 PM EDT | 69.1 | 5.14 | 39–188 |
| Oct 29, 9:20 PM EDT | 69.1 | 5.14 | 39–188 |
| Oct 29, 9:05 PM EDT | 69.1 | 5.14 | 39–188 |
Map of USGS gauge 03052120 and the river around it
Where BUCKHANNON RIVER AT ALTON, WV sits, with 2 other gauges on the same river.
No current water-temperature reading at this gauge, so no temperature guidance is given. Take a stream thermometer. West Virginia DNR publishes no water-temperature line for trout anglers that we found. The lines below are the National Park Service's, federal guidance, not a West Virginia rule: 68°F.
Species list not on file for this gauge. Check the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources: West Virginia fish stocking schedule.
Normal for Nov 5: 59–152 ft³/s (middle half of 13 years of record). Now: 77.7 ft³/s, normal.
Normal for this date. 77.7 ft³/s is between the 25th and 75th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 13 years of record (2012–2026): 10th 21, 25th 59, median 113, 75th 152, 90th 230 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 15.7 ft³/s, highest 266 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Rising over 24 hours: discharge up 57.6%, from 49.3 to 77.7 ft³/s. Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)Rising water. Rising over the last 24 hours (discharge up 57.6%). Keep your way back to the bank in sight and watch the level while you fish. “Rising” is our rule of thumb: more than 10% in discharge or 0.2 ft of gauge height in 24 hours, not a USGS or NWS class.
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 5.14 ft stage, 68 ft³/s at Nov 5, 3:00 PM EST (NWS gauge ALTW2; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
Forecasts are not available. Only observed stages are available for this point.
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
Checked Nov 5, 8:17 PM EST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.