South Fork Sultan River Near Sultan flow report
As of July 12, 2026, South Fork Sultan River Near Sultan is flowing at 16 cfs with a gage height of 8.45 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #12137290, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
South Fork Sultan River Near Sultan at a glance
How South Fork Sultan River Near Sultan is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
South Fork Sultan River Near Sultan is flowing at 16 cfs, with the water sitting 8.45 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #12137290 in Washington. Over the past 10 days the average has been 25 cfs, peaking at 46 cfs.
Over the next 5 days, South Fork Sultan River Near Sultan is expected to hold near today's 16 cfs, toward roughly 15 cfs by 2026-07-17 (likely range 5-46 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Washington flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s Predictive Unified Learning & Simulation Engine, which learns from how this river has answered every past storm, snowmelt, and dry spell to forecast where it’s headed with a precision generic models can’t match.
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 Sultan River Near Sultan
The river is fed by snowmelt and rain in the surrounding mountains, and its flow can be affected by seasonal trends. The river is not impacted by any major dams or tributaries. Some quirky facts about the hydrology of the South Fork Sultan River include the presence of glacial silt which gives the water a cloudy appearance and the frequent occurrence of log jams, which can cause the river to change course or form new channels. Understanding the hydrology of this river is important for managing water resources and protecting the surrounding ecosystem.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check South Fork Sultan River Near Sultan's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| South Fork Sultan River Near Sultan | 16 cfs |
| Skykomish River Near Gold Bar | 850 cfs |
| Sultan River Below Diversion Dam Near Sultan | 108 cfs |
| Sultan River Below Powerplant Near Sultan | 314 cfs |
| South Fork Tolt River Near Index | 7 cfs |
| Sauk River Ab Whitechuck River Near Darrington | 369 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near South Fork Sultan River Near Sultan. 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 |
|---|---|
| Alpine Meadows | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Alpine Meadows | 1 in |
| Skookum Creek | 0 in |
| Skookum Creek | 0 in |
| White Chuck Mountain | 1 in |
| Decline Creek Snotel | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of South Fork Sultan River Near Sultan.
Nearby reservoirs
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Boat launches
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River runs
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Nearby fishing
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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 Sultan River Near Sultan 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 Sultan River Near Sultan crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About South Fork Sultan River Near Sultan
Where does the streamflow data for South Fork Sultan River Near Sultan come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 12137290. 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 Sultan River Near Sultan 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 Sultan River Near Sultan report
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