Middle Columbia-Hood

Watershed Hydrology

The Middle Columbia Hood Watershed (HUC 17070105) covers approximately 1,098 square miles in Oregon and includes parts of Mount Hood National Forest. The watershed is predominantly mountainous, with elevations ranging from 2,000 to over 11,200 feet. The hydrology of the watershed is characterized by high flows during winter and spring due to snowpack melt, which feeds into the Hood River and its tributaries. The area is known for its specific snowpack, which typically accumulates from November through April. Surface water quality is generally high, with low levels of pollutants. The watershed includes several reservoirs, including the Bonneville Dam and the Hood River Reservoir, which play important roles in hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and flood control. Interesting climatic facts include the fact that the area receives an average of 75 inches of precipitation per year, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Trends in the watershed include increased focus on water resource management and conservation efforts due to concerns about climate change and population growth.


Surface Flows

Middle Columbia-Hood Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Middle Columbia-Hood Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Middle Columbia-Hood Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Middle Columbia-Hood Watershed

Middle Columbia-Hood Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed