WASHINGTON FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: January 23, 2026

In the state of Washington, river enthusiasts should be aware of varying streamflow trends across major rivers and watersheds, indicative of a dynamic hydrological season. Notably, the Skagit River near Concrete is flowing at 21,400 cubic feet per second (cfs), with a slight decrease in the last 24 hours but still maintaining at 26.9% above normal, suggesting strong currents that could impact boating activities. The Columbia River at the International Boundary presents a significant streamflow of 122,000 cfs, though it experienced an increase of 6.09% in the last day, which is below the average at 44.96%. This could alert communities around these rivers to be watchful for potential flooding, as well as altered conditions for whitewater and fishing experiences.

Conversely, the Hangman Creek at Spokane shows a dramatic dip in streamflow to 124 cfs, sitting at a concerning -80.67% of the norm, indicating flow drought conditions that may affect local ecosystems and water supply. The Chehalis River near Grand Mound and the South Fork Chehalis River near Wildwood have both experienced significant drops in flow to 1,830 cfs and 103 cfs, respectively, with their percent normal exceedingly low at -72.18% and -62.16%, suggesting stress on these rivers. Paddlers and anglers should exercise caution and stay informed about the latest conditions, especially around popular whitewater trails such as the Skagit and Sauk rivers. It's imperative to keep a keen eye on reported changes such as the Cedar River at Renton, where a notable increase in streamflow to 1,130 cfs, with a 9.71% rise in the last 24 hours, could translate into hazardous conditions or signify a trend towards normalization after a period of drought.