South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood flow report
As of July 16, 2026, South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood is flowing at 56 cfs with a gage height of 356.78 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #12020800, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood at a glance
How South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood is flowing at 56 cfs, with the water sitting 356.78 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #12020800 in Washington. Over the past 10 days the average has been 64 cfs, peaking at 75 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Washington flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #12020800).
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.
South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood
The main source of water for the river comes from snowmelt and rainfall. There are no significant tributaries or dams in the immediate vicinity of the gauge. The flow of the river is typically highest in the winter months due to increased rainfall and snowmelt, and lowest in the summer months. The South Fork Chehalis River is known for its steelhead and salmon populations and is a popular spot for fishing. Additionally, the river is home to several species of freshwater mussels, including the western pearlshell mussel, which is considered a species of concern.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood | 56 cfs |
| Chehalis River Near Adna | 84 cfs |
| Newaukum River Near Chehalis | 55 cfs |
| Toutle River At Tower Road Near Silver Lake | 414 cfs |
| Cowlitz River At Castle Rock | 4,010 cfs |
| Chehalis River Near Doty | 59 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood. 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 |
|---|---|
| Kelso-Longview Airport | 0 in |
| Astoria Airport | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Sheep Canyon | 0 in |
| Sheep Canyon | 0 in |
| Spirit Lake Tunnel Outlet On S Coldwater Crk | 108 in |
| Spirit Lake | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood.
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 South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood
Where does the streamflow data for South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 12020800. 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 South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood 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 South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood report
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