Willapa Bay

Watershed Hydrology

The Willapa Bay watershed covers an area of 2,838 square miles in southwestern Washington State, draining into the Pacific Ocean. The major rivers in the watershed are the Willapa, Naselle, and Palix. The region has a mild maritime climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The watershed receives around 100 inches of precipitation annually, with most falling during the winter months. Snowfall is rare in the area. The main land uses in the watershed are forestry, agriculture, and seafood production. The watershed is home to diverse wildlife, including salmon, steelhead, elk, and black bears. The main reservoir in the watershed is the Willapa Bay estuary, which serves as a critical habitat for numerous bird species and shellfish. Climate projections suggest that the region will experience more frequent and severe winter flooding events due to climate change.


Surface Flows

Willapa Bay Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Willapa Bay Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Willapa Bay Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Willapa Bay Watershed

Willapa Bay Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed