WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW
+88.8 ft above typical
Finding the top signal on the water…
Real-time water levels, forecasts, and alerts for lakes and rivers across Canada and the US. Built on official government data.
Nibi Metrics tracks more than 13,000 gauged lakes and rivers across Canada and the United States, reading directly from official federal monitoring networks: the Water Survey of Canada, the United States Geological Survey, and Quebec's provincial hydrometric network. Every number on the platform is measured, not modelled - taken from a government gauge on the water itself and compared against that location's own historical record for this exact date.
The level right now, in feet or metres, updated as the source agency publishes new readings - for many stations that is every five to fifteen minutes. How today compares to typical: every location carries its own typical-for-this-date band built from its historical record, so a reading is never just a number - it is above, below, or near what this water usually does on this calendar day. Which way it is moving: a measured RISING, FALLING, or STEADY verdict computed from the gauge's own recent readings, with the rate of change - the difference between a flood ending and one beginning. What comes next: level forecasts up to 72 hours ahead, driven by the gauge's recent behaviour, upstream water, and quantitative precipitation forecasts, alongside live radar, lightning, and weather for the surrounding region.
Set a threshold on any location - a level, a distance above typical, or a rate of climb - and Nibi emails or notifies you the moment the gauge crosses it. Cottagers use it for spring freshet, anglers for river conditions, marinas and municipalities for operations. The scanning runs around the clock against the same measured data shown on every page.
Nibi means water in Anishinaabemowin. The platform began at a family cottage on Lake Muskoka, Ontario, where the spring melt floods the shoreline most years and the only forecast was standing on the dock, looking, and guessing. It grew into an independent, member-funded platform run by Muskoka Research Inc. - no investors, no data resale, and a privacy policy shorter than most cookie banners. The core data is free for everyone, forever; paid plans add automation like multi-location alerts, deep history, and reports.
Nibi spans the continent: every Canadian province and territory with active federal gauges - from Vancouver Island rivers to the Muskoka lakes, prairie reservoirs, and Quebec's hydrometric network - and the United States from Maine to the Texas Hill Country, the Ohio Valley, and the Pacific Northwest. Coverage grows where the water news is: when a basin floods, its gauges join the platform with their full historical records attached. Many stations report every five to fifteen minutes; most report at least hourly; every page states exactly when its gauge last spoke.
The core promise is simple: the water data is free, for everyone, forever. Live levels, maps, radar, and recent history never sit behind a paywall. Paid plans fund the platform by adding automation - multi-location alerts, decades of history, longer forecasts, and PDF reports - so the people who need more carry the cost for everyone who just needs to check the lake before driving up. There are no investors and no advertising deals shaping what the data says.
Field notes and explainers from the Nibi desk - how to read a staff gauge, what a 100-year flood actually means, how snowpack becomes summer water.
For five years, spring 2019 was the mark every Lake Muskoka decision answered to. In April 2026 the lake went two centimeters higher - and the official books have not caught up yet.
Inside the freshet cycle that puts Manitoba shorelines at risk each year - and why 2026 broke the script.
The science of snow water equivalent and why it drives the season ahead.
What the numbers on the measuring stick actually tell you.
Why Central and South Texas rivers go from gravel beds to fifty-year records in an afternoon - including July 2026 on the Nueces.
One percent, every year, forever - unwrapping hydrology's most misunderstood phrase, and how it differs from our own percentiles.
Live lake level, flow, historical records and forecast for Pedernales River Near Johnson City in TX, United States, built from official government gauge data.
Pedernales River Near Johnson City - A dynamic waterway influenced by seasonal rains.
The Pedernales River plays a vital role in the Texas landscape, particularly near Johnson City. This section of the river is part of a watershed that drains approximately 901 square miles. It serves not only as a lifeline for local ecology but also supports recreational activities and agriculture in the surrounding areas. Known for its capacity to respond swiftly to rainfall, the river often exhibits rapid fluctuations in water levels due to storm events, a hallmark of Texas's flash-flood hydrology.
The Pedernales River flows through the scenic Texas Hill Country, characterized by gently rolling hills and diverse flora and fauna. It meanders through a range of habitats, providing crucial resources for both wildlife and human communities. The watershed experiences typical seasonal rhythms, with heavy rains during the hurricane season contributing to potential sudden rises in water levels. During drier periods, long stretches of low flow may be observed, underscoring the importance of monitoring changes in water conditions.
Nearby, the Pedernales River near Fredericksburg offers a comparison in hydrologic behavior, showcasing the variability present in the region. Altogether, these waterways form an interconnected network that influences local climate, agriculture, and biodiversity.
Today's water level measurements for the Pedernales River near Johnson City are taken by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This station not only tracks elevation but also measures discharge, providing a comprehensive picture of the river's behavior over time. The current reading can be compared to the median for this calendar day drawn from over 50 years of historical data. Understanding how today's levels stand against historical norms is crucial for assessing flood risks and managing water resources effectively. This context highlights not just the river's current state but also aids in anticipating its future fluctuations, vital information for residents, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Readings come from official government gauges and are rolled into daily records: the daily mean, high and low for every day on record. Each calendar day gets its own baseline from the full history, so the level you see is compared against what this specific date usually looks like rather than an annual average.