Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line Flow Report
As of July 26, 2026, Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line is flowing at 16,200 cfs with a gage height of 68.09 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #13290450, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line at a glance
How Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line is flowing at 16,200 cfs, with the water sitting 68.09 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #13290450 in Oregon. Over the past 10 days the average has been 18,330 cfs, peaking at 23,700 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Oregon flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #13290450).
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.
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.
Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line
The flow of the river is largely controlled by the Hells Canyon Dam, which is used for hydroelectric power generation. The Snake River is fed by several tributaries, including the Salmon River and the Clearwater River. During the summer months, the flow of the river is generally lower due to reduced snowmelt runoff. Interestingly, the Snake River is home to a unique species of fish called the white sturgeon, which can live for over 100 years and grow up to 20 feet long. The Snake River also provides important habitat for various other wildlife species, including bald eagles and bighorn sheep.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line | 19,200 cfs |
| Little Salmon River At Riggins Id | 220 cfs |
| Imnaha River At Imnaha | 150 cfs |
| Nf Payette River At Mccall Id | 57 cfs |
| Salmon River At White Bird Id | 6,150 cfs |
| Lake Fork Payette River Above Jumbo Creek Near Mccall Id | 35 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line. 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 |
|---|---|
| Nohrsc West Branch | 2 in |
| West Branch | 1 in |
| Mt. Howard | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Mt. Howard | 0 in |
| Aneroid Lake #2 | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Aneroid Lake #2 | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line.
Boat launches
See all →
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 Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line
What is the Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line flow rate right now?
As of July 26, 2026, Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line is flowing at 16,200 cfs. The live value, gage height, and 24-hour trend are shown at the top of this page.
Is the Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line running high or low right now?
Check the percent of median figure on this page: above 100% means Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line is running higher than normal for the date, below 100% means lower. The 24-hour trend shows whether it's rising or falling.
Where does the streamflow data for Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 13290450. 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 Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line 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 Snake River At Hells Canyon Dam Id-or State Line report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
- Flow alerts — get pinged the moment this river hits your range
- Save favorites — every river, lake & snowpack in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app