COWLITZ RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
October 30, 2024
Freeze Warning
Until 2024-10-30T14:00:00-06:00 National Weather Service
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 22 expected. * WHERE...Fort Collins, Boulder and the western suburbs of Denver, Denver, Castle Rock, Greeley, and Byers. * WHEN...From 10 PM Wednesday to 9 AM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions are expected kill unprotected sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Last Updated 2024-10-30
Discharge Volume 19,692 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 9,928.0 cfs
-525.0 cfs (-5.02%)
Percent of Normal 64.87%
Maximum 95,120.0 cfs
2020-02-07
Seasonal Avg 15,303 cfs

Total streamflow across the Cowlitz River was last observed at 9,928 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 19,692 acre-ft of water today; about 65% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 15,303 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2020-02-07 when daily discharge volume was observed at 95,120 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Cowlitz River At Castle Rock reporting a streamflow rate of 4,500 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Cowlitz River, with a gauge stage of 33.35 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Cowlitz River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,053 ft, the Cowlitz River At Packwood.

The Cowlitz River is a 105-mile-long river in southwestern Washington, originating from the glaciers of Mount Rainier National Park. Historically, the river was used for fishing and transportation by indigenous peoples. Today, it is a major source of hydroelectric power, with several major dams and reservoirs along its course, including Mayfield Dam and Riffe Lake. These dams have greatly affected the river's hydrology and the surrounding agricultural land by controlling flooding and providing irrigation. The Cowlitz River is also a popular recreational destination, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking in the surrounding forests and mountains. The river is home to several species of salmon and steelhead, and efforts are being made to restore and protect their populations.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE

INTERACTIVE MAP

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Cowlitz River At Packwood
USGS 14226500
648 cfs 0.81 ft -27.44
Cowlitz River At Randle
USGS 14231000
1160 cfs 4.67 ft -2.52
Cowlitz River Below Mayfield Dam
USGS 14238000
3620 cfs 10.68 ft 0
Cowlitz River At Castle Rock
USGS 14243000
4500 cfs 33.35 ft -5.26
History of the River

The Cowlitz River is a river in the state of Washington in the United States, a tributary of the Columbia River. Its tributaries drain a large region including the slopes of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens.
The Cowlitz has a 2,586-square-mile (6,698 km2) drainage basin, located between the Cascade Range in eastern Lewis County, Washington and the cities of Kelso and Longview. The river is roughly 105 miles (169 km) long, not counting tributaries.
Major tributaries of the Cowlitz River include the Cispus River and the Toutle River, which was overtaken by volcanic mudflows (lahars) during the May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.
When the smelt spawn in the Cowlitz River, the gulls go into a feeding frenzy that lasts for weeks. Kelso, Washington is known as the "Smelt Capital of the World".

Hourly Forecast
Next 5 Days

Long Term Forecast
Next 16 Days

Streamflow Levels

31

Cubic Feet Per Second

3

Cubic Feet Per Second

23700

Cubic Feet Per Second

8

Cubic Feet Per Second

4

Cubic Feet Per Second

14

Cubic Feet Per Second

95

Cubic Feet Per Second