TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)
SUMMARY
| Last Updated | 2024-11-20 |
| Discharge Volume | 14,896 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
7,510.0 cfs
-10970.0 cfs (-59.36%) |
| Percent of Normal | 28.82% |
| Maximum |
95,120.0 cfs
2020-02-07 |
| Seasonal Avg | 26,062 cfs |
Total streamflow across the
Cowlitz River
was last observed at
7,510
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
14,896
acre-ft of water today; about 29%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
26,062 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 9,860 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Cowlitz River, with a gauge stage of
35.19 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 (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cowlitz River At Packwood
USGS 14226500 |
1210 cfs | 1.48 ft | -20.34 | |||||
|
Cowlitz River At Randle
USGS 14231000 |
2190 cfs | 6.14 ft | -21.34 | |||||
|
Cowlitz River Below Mayfield Dam
USGS 14238000 |
4480 cfs | 11.17 ft | -1.4 | |||||
|
Cowlitz River At Castle Rock
USGS 14243000 |
9860 cfs | 35.19 ft | 10.17 |
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".
