Salmon-Sandy

Watershed Hydrology

The Salmon Sandy watershed covers an area of approximately 1,500 square miles in northwest Oregon. It includes the Sandy River, which originates from the glaciers on Mount Hood and flows into the Columbia River. The watershed is characterized by mountainous terrain and a temperate climate, with precipitation primarily falling as snow during the winter months. Snowpack in the watershed is closely monitored as it directly impacts the surface water availability during the dry summer season. The watershed is home to several reservoirs, including the Bull Run Reservoir, which provides drinking water for the city of Portland. Interesting climatic facts include the occasional occurrence of flooding due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt, and an overall trend of increasing temperatures and decreasing snowpack in recent years. Efforts are underway to restore salmon and steelhead habitat in the watershed.


Surface Flows

Salmon-Sandy Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Salmon-Sandy Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Salmon-Sandy Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Salmon-Sandy Watershed

Salmon-Sandy Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed