METHOW RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 21, 2024
48.07, -119.95


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Methow River was last observed at 871 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,728 acre-ft of water today; about 59% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,483 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2023-05-06 when daily discharge volume was observed at 64,920 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Methow River Near Pateros reporting a streamflow rate of 350 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Methow River Above Goat Creek Near Mazama with a gauge stage of 11.57 ft. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Methow River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 2,053 ft, the Methow River Above Goat Creek Near Mazama.

The Methow River is a tributary of the Columbia River and runs for approximately 80 miles through Washington State. The river was used by the Native American tribes for fishing and irrigation, and later by settlers for agriculture and mining. Today, the river is used primarily for recreational purposes such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The river is fed by snowmelt and has a hydrology that varies throughout the year. There are two major dams on the Methow River, the Methow Dam and the Alta Dam, which provide hydroelectric power to the region. The river is also important for agriculture, with farmers using water from the river to irrigate their crops. Overall, the Methow River is an important natural resource for the region, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water resources for agriculture.

Last Updated 2024-12-19
Discharge Volume 1,728 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 871.0 cfs
-24.0 cfs (-2.68%)
Percent of Normal 58.73%
Maximum 64,920.0 cfs
2023-05-06
Seasonal Avg 1,483 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Methow River Above Goat Creek Near Mazama
USGS 12447383
32 cfs 11.57 ft 62.44
Methow River At Winthrop
USGS 12448500
215 cfs 9.85 ft -2.71
Methow River At Twisp
USGS 12449500
303 cfs 0.04 ft -6.48
Methow River Near Pateros
USGS 12449950
350 cfs 1.73 ft -2.51
History of the River

The Methow River ( MET-how) is a tributary of the Columbia River in northern Washington in the United States. The river's 1,890-square-mile (4,900 km2) watershed drains the eastern North Cascades, with a population of about 5,000 people. The Methow's watershed is characterized by relatively pristine habitats, as much of the river basin is located in national forests and wildernesses. Many tributaries drain the large Pasayten Wilderness. An earlier economy based on agriculture is giving way to one based on recreation and tourism.

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