Puyallup River

Streamflow Hydrology Weather


Puyallup River Levels

October 9 2024

3,695 ACRE-FT

Discharge Volume Today
+249.0 cfs (+15.43%) since yesterday
63.37% of normal Low

Total streamflow across the Puyallup River was last observed at 1,863 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 3,695 acre-ft of water today; about 63% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,940 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2020-02-06 when daily discharge volume was observed at 78,350 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Puyallup River At Puyallup reporting a streamflow rate of 855 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Puyallup River At Alderton with a gauge stage of 45.72 ft. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Puyallup River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,641 ft, the Puyallup River Near Electron.

Last Updated 2024-10-09
Streamflow 1,863.0 cfs
Percent of Normal 63.37%
Maximum 78,350.0 cfs
2020-02-06

About the puyallup river


The Puyallup River is a 45-mile long river located in Pierce County, Washington. The river is known for its rich history as it was once home to the Puyallup Tribe who relied on the river for fishing and trade. Today, the river is used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The river's hydrology is heavily influenced by Mount Rainier and its surrounding glaciers, causing the river to have high flows during the spring and low flows during the summer. Spanaway Lake and Lake Tapps are two reservoirs along the river that are used for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and flood control. The river is also important for agriculture as it provides irrigation to several farms in the area. However, the river faces challenges with water pollution and habitat degradation, leading to efforts to improve water quality and restore salmon populations.

Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Puyallup River Near Electron
USGS 12092000
238 cfs 3.92 ft 22.68
Puyallup River Near Orting
USGS 12093500
279 cfs 4.82 ft 26.24
Puyallup River At Alderton
USGS 12096500
491 cfs 45.72 ft 20.34
Puyallup River At Puyallup
USGS 12101500
855 cfs 10.05 ft 8.09

Peak Annual Discharge

Puyallup River Maximum Total Discharge

Seasonal Comparison

Puyallup River Year Over Year Discharge


Log Your Visit

When was your last visit to puyallup river?

Add a Photo

How was it? How were conditions?

Rate the


Submit

Leave A Review

Puyallup River

Submit

Upload an Image

Puyallup River

Favorite Limit Reached