Last Updated: December 29, 2025
The state of Washington is experiencing varied streamflow conditions across its diverse river systems. Notably, the Spokane River at Spokane exhibits an exceptionally high streamflow rate of 16800 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is more than double the normal, indicating potential areas of interest for water enthusiasts but also a risk of flooding. Similarly, the Columbia River at the International Boundary is flowing at 102000 cfs, while the Pend Oreille River below Box Canyon near Ione reports a substantial flow of 37200 cfs, at 105% of its normal rate. These figures are significant for communities and recreational users alike, as they can influence water-related activities and indicate the health of aquatic ecosystems. The current gage height at these locations stands at 23.75 feet for the Spokane River and a remarkable 103.57 feet for the Columbia River, suggesting that nearby cities and popular whitewater trails could be affected by these water levels.
Conversely, several rivers like the Little Spokane River near Dartford and the Kettle River near Ferry are experiencing reduced streamflows well below normal levels, indicative of flow drought conditions that could impact water supply and river health. Hangman Creek at State Line Road near Tekoa is notably low at 108 cfs, which is a significant decrease from the previous 24 hours and 27.62% below normal. Such streamflow decreases may have implications for both aquatic habitats and human usage. The fluctuation in streamflow patterns across Washington calls for careful monitoring, especially for large increases which may indicate flooding, such as the Hangman Creek at Spokane, which surged by 51.4% in the last 24 hours. Overall, these variations highlight the importance of staying informed on current conditions for river and water enthusiasts, as well as for residents in potentially impacted regions.
Washington state is characterized by a diverse hydrology that is heavily influenced by its climate and geological features. The state's major surface flows are the Columbia River, Snake River, Yakima River, and Spokane River. These rivers are fed by numerous tributaries and are regulated by large reservoirs such as the Grand Coulee Dam and the Bonneville Dam. The state's mountainous terrain and heavy snowfall create significant watershed systems that contribute to river flow, with the snowpack in the Cascade Range being a primary contributor. Climate patterns such as El Niño and La Niña can impact precipitation rates and snowpack levels, leading to drought or flooding events. Overall, the hydrology of Washington is a complex and dynamic system that is heavily influenced by both natural and human factors.
| River Run | Status | Streamflow (CFS) | Air Temp (F) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Douglas Fir Campground to Mt. Baker Highway
Class II+ to III |
RUNNABLE | 390 | 48 |
|
Rock Island Campground to Ida Creek
Class II+ to III |
36.25 | ||
|
Snoqualmie Falls to Plum's Landing
Class II+ to III- |
RUNNABLE | 398 | 52 |