Sauk River At Darrington flow report
As of July 13, 2026, Sauk River At Darrington is flowing at 5,220 cfs, rising 114% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #12187500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Sauk River At Darrington at a glance
How Sauk River At Darrington is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Sauk River At Darrington is flowing at 5,220 cfs, with the water sitting 8.24 ft at the gage. Flow is up 114% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #12187500 in Washington. Over the past 10 days the average has been 4,211 cfs, peaking at 10,400 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Washington flow report.
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.
Sauk River At Darrington
There are no major dams on the Sauk River, but it is affected by seasonal trends such as snowmelt and rainfall. During the spring and early summer, flows tend to be highest due to snowmelt, while in the fall and winter, flows are lower. Interestingly, the Sauk River is known for its rapids and has been featured in kayaking competitions. However, the river can also be dangerous and caution is advised when recreating on or near it.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Sauk River At Darrington's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Sauk River At Darrington | 5,220 cfs |
| Sauk River Ab Whitechuck River Near Darrington | 344 cfs |
| Sauk River Near Sauk | 2,290 cfs |
| Skagit River Near Concrete | 8,950 cfs |
| Cascade River At Marblemount | 739 cfs |
| Nf Stillaguamish River Near Arlington | 316 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Sauk River At Darrington. 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 |
|---|---|
| Decline Creek Snotel | — |
| White Chuck Mountain | 1 in |
| Lyman Lake | 0 in |
| Lyman Lake | 0 in |
| Alpine Meadows | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Alpine Meadows | 1 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Sauk River At Darrington.
Nearby reservoirs
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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 Sauk River At Darrington in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Sauk River At Darrington crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Sauk River At Darrington
Where does the streamflow data for Sauk River At Darrington come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 12187500. 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 Sauk River At Darrington 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 Sauk River At Darrington 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