METHOW RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 10, 2025

Winter Weather Advisory
2025-02-12T11:00:00-07:00

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches. * WHERE...Portions of east central, north central, and northeast Colorado including the Denver metro. * WHEN...From 2 PM Tuesday to 11 AM MST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Methow River was last observed at 470 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 932 acre-ft of water today; about 33% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,412 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 1,960 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 14.86 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 2025-02-10
Discharge Volume 932 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 470.0 cfs
-6.0 cfs (-1.26%)
Percent of Normal 33.29%
Maximum 64,920.0 cfs
2023-05-06
Seasonal Avg 1,412 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
588 cfs 14.86 ft -3.61
Methow River At Winthrop
USGS 12448500
200 cfs 9.8 ft -2.91
Methow River At Twisp
USGS 12449500
270 cfs 0.7 ft 0
Methow River Near Pateros
USGS 12449950
1960 cfs 3.68 ft -1.51
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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