Deschutes River River Levels

Total streamflow across the Deschutes River was last observed at 9,298 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 18,442 acre-ft of water today; about 84% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 11,038 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-04-10 when daily discharge volume was observed at 35,060 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Deschutes River At Moody reporting a streamflow rate of 4,350 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Deschutes River At E St Bridge At Tumwater with a gauge stage of 25.33 ft. This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the Deschutes River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,951 ft, the Deschutes River Near Culver.

The river has a rich history, with Indigenous peoples using the river for fishing and transportation for thousands of years. European explorers and settlers later used the river for transportation, trade, and agriculture.

Hydrologically, the river is fed by both snowmelt and springs, and is regulated by a number of dams, including the Pelton Round Butte Dam Complex. The complex includes the Round Butte Dam, which creates Lake Billy Chinook, a popular recreational area for boating, fishing, and camping.

The Deschutes River provides irrigation water for agriculture in the region, and also supports a thriving recreational industry, with activities such as whitewater rafting, fishing, and hiking. It is home to a number of fish species, including steelhead and salmon, which have faced challenges due to the construction of dams and other human impacts on the river.