SKAGIT RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 86,936 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 43,830.0 cfs
-5180.0 cfs (-10.57%)
Percent of Normal 84.32%
Maximum 283,900.0 cfs
2021-11-16
Seasonal Avg 51,981 cfs

Total streamflow across the Skagit River was last observed at 43,830 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 86,936 acre-ft of water today; about 84% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 51,981 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2021-11-16 when daily discharge volume was observed at 283,900 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Skagit River Near Mount Vernon reporting a streamflow rate of 18,000 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Skagit River At Newhalem with a gauge stage of 83.42 ft. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Skagit River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 492 ft, the Skagit River At Newhalem.

The Skagit River is a 150-mile-long river located in northwest Washington state. It has a rich history dating back to the indigenous people who resided in the area and relied on the river for sustenance. The river's hydrology is characterized by glacial meltwater from the surrounding mountains, resulting in high flow rates in the spring and low flow rates in the summer. The Skagit River supports various recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The river also plays a crucial role in the region's agriculture, providing irrigation water for crops such as potatoes, berries, and tulips. The Skagit River is home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Ross, Diablo, and Gorge dams, which provide hydroelectric power and regulate river flows for irrigation and flood control purposes.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Skagit River At Newhalem
USGS 12178000
3080 cfs 83.42 ft -3.22
Skagit River At Marblemount
USGS 12181000
5280 cfs 3.99 ft -8.42
Skagit River Near Concrete
USGS 12194000
15100 cfs 18.24 ft -8.52
Skagit River Near Mount Vernon
USGS 12200500
18000 cfs 15.62 ft -13.72
History of the River

The Skagit River ( SKAJ-it) is a river in southwestern British Columbia in Canada and northwestern Washington in the United States, approximately 150 mi (240 km) long. The river and its tributaries drain an area of 1.7 million acres (6900 km2) of the Cascade Range along the northern end of Puget Sound and flows into the sound.The Skagit watershed is characterized by a temperate, mid-latitude, maritime climate. Temperatures range widely throughout the watershed. Recorded temperatures at Newhalem range from a low of −6 °F (−21 °C) to a high of 109 °F (43 °C), with greater extremes likely in the mountains. The highest temperatures are commonly recorded in July; the lowest are in January.

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Watershed River Levels

4250

Cubic Feet Per Second

5220

Cubic Feet Per Second

0

Cubic Feet Per Second

879

Cubic Feet Per Second