Applegate River River Levels

Total streamflow across the Applegate River was last observed at 856 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,698 acre-ft of water today; about 50% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,715 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2020-08-20 when daily discharge volume was observed at 50,448 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Applegate River Near Wilderville reporting a streamflow rate of 431 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Applegate River, with a gauge stage of 2.58 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Applegate River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,768 ft, the Applegate River Near Copper.

The river was named after Lindsay Applegate, who led a group of settlers on the Applegate Trail in 1846. The Applegate River flows through the Siskiyou Mountains and has a diverse hydrology with stretches of rapids and calm pools. There are several reservoirs and dams along the river, including Applegate Reservoir and Applegate Dam, which were built in the 1980s for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. The river is used for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking, and supports agriculture in the surrounding areas. The river also plays an important role in providing habitat for a variety of fish species, including Chinook salmon and steelhead.