NISQUALLY RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 21, 2024
46.79, -121.75


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Nisqually River was last observed at 6,030 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 11,960 acre-ft of water today; about 108% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 5,576 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2020-02-06 when daily discharge volume was observed at 42,400 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Nisqually River At Mckenna reporting a streamflow rate of 2,700 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Nisqually River Near National with a gauge stage of 5.75 ft. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Nisqually River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,436 ft, the Nisqually River Near National.

The Nisqually River runs 78 miles from the Nisqually Glacier on Mount Rainier to southern Puget Sound. The river was historically home to the Nisqually tribe, and was an important source of food and transportation. Today, the river and its watershed are managed by the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, and local governments. The hydrology of the river is influenced by seasonal snowmelt and precipitation. There are two major reservoirs on the river, Alder Dam and LaGrande Dam, which are used for hydroelectric power generation and water supply. The river is also used for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting. Agricultural uses include pastureland and crops such as berries and vegetables. Efforts to restore and protect the river and its habitats are ongoing.

Last Updated 2024-12-21
Discharge Volume 11,960 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 6,030.0 cfs
-430.0 cfs (-6.66%)
Percent of Normal 108.14%
Maximum 42,400.0 cfs
2020-02-06
Seasonal Avg 5,576 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Nisqually River Near National
USGS 12082500
1080 cfs 5.75 ft -15.63
Nisqually River At La Grande Dam
USGS 12086000
37 cfs 0.21 ft 8.93
Nisqually River At La Grande
USGS 12086500
2250 cfs 5.43 ft 0
Nisqually River At Mckenna
USGS 12089500
2700 cfs 3.64 ft -7.85
History of the River

The Nisqually River is a river in west central Washington in the United States, approximately 81 miles (130 km) long. It drains part of the Cascade Range southeast of Tacoma, including the southern slope of Mount Rainier, and empties into the southern end of Puget Sound. Its outlet was designated in 1971 as the Nisqually Delta National Natural Landmark.
The Nisqually River forms the Pierce–Lewis county line, as well as the boundary between Pierce and Thurston counties.

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