Total streamflow across the
Clearwater River
was last observed at
16,328
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
32,387
acre-ft of water today; about 118%
of normal.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
13,851 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2022-06-12 when daily discharge volume was observed at
263,553 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Clearwater River Nr Peck Id
reporting a streamflow rate of 6,040 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Clearwater River, with a gauge stage of
5.2 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 7 different streamgauging stations along the Clearwater River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 3,909 ft, the
Clearwater R Ab Trap Cr Nr T Falls.
The Clearwater River is a major tributary of the Snake River, spanning approximately 74 miles in length. It begins in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana and flows through Idaho before joining the Snake River. The river played a significant role in the region's history, as it was used by the Nez Perce tribe for fishing and transportation. Today, the river is used for agricultural purposes, including irrigation and hydroelectric power, with several dams and reservoirs along its length. The most notable of these is the Dworshak Dam, which is the third tallest dam in the United States. The river is also a popular recreational destination, offering fishing, kayaking, and white-water rafting opportunities. The Clearwater National Forest is located along the river and provides ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Last Updated | 2024-12-24 |
Discharge Volume | 32,387 ACRE-FT |
Streamflow |
16,328.2 cfs
None cfs (None%) |
Percent of Normal | 117.88% |
Maximum |
263,553.0 cfs
2022-06-12 |
Seasonal Avg | 13,851 cfs |
Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clearwater R Ab Trap Cr Nr T Falls
USGS 14314500 |
58 cfs | 3.52 ft | 15.48 | |||||
Clearwater R Blw Mowich Creek
USGS 14314700 |
50 cfs | 4.68 ft | 3.55 | |||||
Clearwater River At Plummer
USGS 05078000 |
41 cfs | 3.11 ft | 48.01 | |||||
Clearwater River At Orofino Id
USGS 13340000 |
4510 cfs | 4.33 ft | 89.5 | |||||
Clearwater River At Red Lake Falls
USGS 05078500 |
118 cfs | 4.09 ft | 42.86 | |||||
Clearwater River Nr Peck Id
USGS 13341050 |
6040 cfs | 5.2 ft | 45.54 | |||||
Clearwater River At Spalding Id
USGS 13342500 |
5720 cfs | 4.23 ft | 22.22 |
A clearwater river is classified based on its chemistry, sediments and water colour. Clearwater rivers have a low conductivity, relatively low levels of dissolved solids, typically have a neutral to slightly acidic pH and are very clear with a greenish colour. Clearwater rivers often have fast-flowing sections.The main clearwater rivers are South American and have their source in the Brazilian Plateau or the Guiana Shield. Outside South America the classification is not commonly used, but rivers with clearwater characteristics are found elsewhere.Amazonian rivers fall into three main categories: clearwater, blackwater and whitewater. This classification system was first proposed by Alfred Russel Wallace in 1853 based on water colour, but the types were more clearly defined according to chemistry and physics by Harald Sioli (de) from the 1950s to the 1980s. Although many Amazonian rivers fall clearly into one of these categories, others show a mix of characteristics and may vary depending on season and flood levels.