The hydrological observation networks in Lake Chad Basin are managed by national and/or state institutions of the member states. The networks consist of mostly non-automatic river and lake gauging stations. Where possible, rating curves exist on river gauging stations, permitting to convert water levels into discharges. Data are usually recorded by a stage reader at least daily, and are summarized to monthly values. Data transfer and verification may take a long time . In the Lake Chad Basin, two distinct patterns can be distinguished in the hydrological year. In the Chari-Logone system, the hydrological year begins with the high-flow season in May and ends the following April at the end of the low-flow season. For Lake Chad in Bol (Chad) and the Komadugu-Yobe in Bagara (Diffa region, Niger), the hydrological year begins in July and ends the following June. The Komadugu-Yobe is a river that carries very little water and is characterised by significant seasonal variations. It has a long low-flow season and dries up completely during part of the year. The average monthly discharge observed in April–May (minimum flow) is often 0 m3⋅s-1 (completely dry), while peak discharge is registered in October, which is the height of the flood season.

Name
Surface Water Stations
Floodplains
Main Rivers
Lakes
Reservoirs
Surface Basin (Conventional)
Capitals
Entire Basin
Lake Chad sub basins
Country Borders
Current Lake Extent