Clearwater River At Spalding Flow Report
As of July 21, 2026, Clearwater River At Spalding is flowing at 13,400 cfs with a gage height of 6.31 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #13342500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Clearwater River At Spalding at a glance
How Clearwater River At Spalding is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Clearwater River At Spalding is flowing at 13,400 cfs, with the water sitting 6.31 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #13342500 in Idaho. Over the past 10 days the average has been 13,106 cfs, peaking at 17,300 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Idaho flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #13342500).
Estimate flows at an ungauged site
Drainage-area ratio transfer from this gauge . Most reliable for hydrologically similar sites in the same watershed with area ratios between roughly 0.5 and 1.5.
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Clearwater River At Spalding Id is expected to hold near today's 13400 cfs, toward roughly 12516 cfs by 2026-07-26 (likely range 9598-16322 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Clearwater River At Spalding
Its flow is primarily supplied by the Lochsa River and Selway River, both of which are designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers. The hydrology is heavily influenced by snowmelt, resulting in high flows during the spring and early summer months. The Dworshak Dam, the third tallest dam in the United States, is located on the Clearwater River and plays a significant role in regulating the water levels. Interestingly, the river is home to the largest single stand of old-growth cedar trees in the world, and historically, it was an important waterway for the Nez Perce tribe.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Clearwater River At Spalding's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Clearwater River At Spalding Id | 13,400 cfs |
| Lapwai Creek Nr Lapwai Id | 9 cfs |
| Potlatch River Bel Little Potlatch Cr Nr Spalding | 6 cfs |
| Sweetwater Creek At Mouth At Sweetwater Id | 8 cfs |
| Webb Creek Near Sweetwater Id | — |
| Asotin Creek At Asotin | 40 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Clearwater River At Spalding. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Orofino 3.8 Wnw | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Moscow Mountain | — |
| Moscow Mountain | 0 in |
| Asotin 14 Sw | 0 in |
| Anatone 2.3 S | 0 in |
| Sourdough Gulch | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Clearwater River At Spalding.
Boat launches
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River runs
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River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track Clearwater River At Spalding in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Clearwater River At Spalding crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Clearwater River At Spalding
Where does the streamflow data for Clearwater River At Spalding come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 13342500. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when Clearwater River At Spalding rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free Clearwater River At Spalding report
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