NOOKSACK RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 21, 2024


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Nooksack River was last observed at 37,800 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 74,975 acre-ft of water today; about 303% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 12,493 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2021-11-16 when daily discharge volume was observed at 149,200 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Nooksack River At Ferndale reporting a streamflow rate of 14,000 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Nooksack River At North Cedarville with a gauge stage of 142.05 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Nooksack River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 146 ft, the Nooksack River At North Cedarville.

The Nooksack River is a 75-mile-long river in northwest Washington that flows through Whatcom County, eventually emptying into the Puget Sound. Historically, the river was used by local tribes for fishing and transportation. The river's hydrology is influenced by snow melt and rainfall, which can lead to flooding in the winter months. There are several reservoirs and dams along the river, including the Deming Dam and the Baker River Dam, which are used for hydroelectric power generation. The river is also used for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting, and supports agricultural uses such as irrigation for crops like blueberries and raspberries. The Nooksack River is an important natural resource for the region and is managed by various agencies to ensure its continued health and sustainability.

Last Updated 2024-12-19
Discharge Volume 74,975 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 37,800.0 cfs
+29760.0 cfs (+370.15%)
Percent of Normal 302.57%
Maximum 149,200.0 cfs
2021-11-16
Seasonal Avg 12,493 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Nooksack River At North Cedarville
USGS 12210700
11700 cfs 142.05 ft 45.52
Nooksack River At Everson
USGS 12211200
7010 cfs 76.36 ft -3.58
Nooksack River At Ferndale
USGS 12213100
14000 cfs 13.84 ft 214.61
History of the River

The Nooksack River is a river in the northwest part of the U.S. state of Washington. It drains an area of the Cascade Range around Mount Baker, near the Canada–US border. The lower river flows through a fertile agricultural area before emptying into Bellingham Bay and, via the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Strait of Georgia, the Pacific Ocean. The river begins in three main forks, the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork. The North Fork is sometimes considered the main river. Including the North Fork, the Nooksack is approximately 75 miles (121 km) long. All three forks originate in the Mount Baker Wilderness.

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Regional Streamflow Levels

       

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