Big Bend

Watershed Hydrology

The Big Bend Watershed is located in central Washington State and covers approximately 1,274 square miles. The area is dominated by a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The hydrology of the watershed is primarily influenced by snowmelt from the Cascade Mountains, with the majority of streamflow occurring during the spring and early summer months. The snowpack in the watershed is an important source of water for the region, and is closely monitored by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Surface water in the watershed is primarily found in the form of streams and rivers, with the Yakima River being the largest and most significant waterway. Reservoir constituents in the watershed include the Cle Elum, Keechelus, and Kachess reservoirs, which are used for irrigation, hydropower generation, and recreation. Interesting climatic facts and trends in the watershed include decreasing snowpack levels, increasing temperatures, and changes in precipitation patterns.


Surface Flows

Big Bend Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Big Bend Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Big Bend Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Big Bend Watershed

Big Bend Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed