Measuring water flow is an important aspect for canyoners. A marked increase or decrease in flow can create a hazard or make safe passage through previously navigated rapids more difficult or impossible. Flow rate is measured in either Cubic Meters per Second (m³/s) or Cubic Feet per Second (cfs) depending on the country. By knowing the measurements of the river at a given spot, it is possible to calculate its flow volume at any point between confluences.

Depth x Width x Speed = Volume