TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Samish River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Samish River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
The Samish River is located in western Washington State and is approximately 29 miles long. The river has a rich history, as it was an important fishing and hunting area for Native American tribes. It also played a crucial role in the region's logging industry. The river's hydrology is influenced by the surrounding mountains and receives most of its water from snowmelt and precipitation. There are no major reservoirs or dams on the Samish River, although there are small weirs and fish traps that are used to manage the fish population. The river supports a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Additionally, it is used for agricultural purposes, such as irrigation and livestock grazing.
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Samish River Near Burlington
USGS 12201500 |
671 cfs | 7.26 ft | 26.84 |
History of the River
The Samish River is approximately 25 miles (40 km) long, in northwestern Washington in the United States. The river drains an area of 139 square miles (360 km2) between the Skagit River basin on the south and the Nooksack River basin on the north. The Samish River originates on a low divide in Whatcom County, and its tributary, Friday Creek, originates in the hills south of Bellingham. The river continues its southwesterly flow through Skagit County and outlets into Samish Bay in Puget Sound.
The Samish River supports a large variety of fish and is home to one of Washington's larger fall King Salmon runs. The Samish River has runs of five Salmon and three trout species including: Spring/Winter Steelhead, Summer Sockeye, Fall Chinook/Chum/Coho, and year-round runs of Cutthroat, and Dolly Varden. Also documented are Pink Salmon which, while rare, do arrive in small numbers to spawn in the Samish.There are two fish hatcheries supporting the Samish River. One located in the upper Samish directly below the mouth of Friday Creek, and another several miles up Friday Creek. Both hatcheries raise Fall Chinook and can process over 10,000,000 salmon smolt a year, 5-20,000 of those returning 1–5 years later to spawn as adults.