Naches

Watershed Hydrology

The Naches watershed (HUC 17030002) covers an area of approximately 1,527 square miles in central Washington state. This watershed is fed by snowpack in the Cascade Mountains, which provides a significant portion of the surface water flow during the warmer months. The Naches River, which is the primary watercourse in the watershed, flows into the Yakima River, which is a critical source of irrigation for local agriculture. The main reservoir in the watershed is Bumping Lake, which is used for irrigation, power generation, and recreation. One interesting climatic fact is that the Naches watershed experiences a significant temperature inversion during the winter months, which can result in extremely cold temperatures at higher elevations. Currently, there are concerns about the impact of climate change on the snowpack and the subsequent effect on water availability in the Naches watershed. Overall, the Naches watershed is a vital resource for the region, providing water for agricultural, industrial, and recreational use.


Surface Flows

Naches Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Naches Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Naches Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Naches Watershed

Naches Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed