SKOOKUMCHUCK RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-19
Discharge Volume 885 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 446.0 cfs
-70.0 cfs (-13.57%)
Percent of Normal 76.33%
Maximum 19,200.0 cfs
2022-01-07
Seasonal Avg 584 cfs

Total streamflow across the Skookumchuck River was last observed at 446 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 885 acre-ft of water today; about 76% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 584 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2022-01-07 when daily discharge volume was observed at 19,200 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Skookumchuck River Near Vail reporting a streamflow rate of 421 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Skookumchuck River, with a gauge stage of 724.17 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Skookumchuck River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 724 ft, the Skookumchuck River Near Vail.

The Skookumchuck River is a 35-mile-long river located in southwestern Washington state. The river is known for its strong rapids, which have attracted kayakers and whitewater enthusiasts for many years. However, the river is also an important source of water for local agriculture and provides hydroelectric power through the Skookumchuck Dam, which was built in 1924. The dam creates the Skookumchuck Reservoir, which is used for fishing and boating. The river has a long history of human settlement, with indigenous peoples living along its banks for thousands of years. Today, the Skookumchuck River is an important part of the local ecosystem and provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Skookumchuck River Near Vail
USGS 12025700
421 cfs 724.17 ft -16.14
Skookumchuck River Bl Bldy Run Cr Nr Centralia
USGS 12026150
191 cfs 326.83 ft 2.69
Skookumchuck River Near Bucoda
USGS 12026400
288 cfs 204.47 ft 6.67
History of the River

The Skookumchuck River is a 45-mile (72 km) long river located in southwest Washington, United States. It is a tributary of the Chehalis River and thence to the Pacific Ocean. The Skookumchuck Dam was built in 1970, creating the Skookumchuck Reservoir. The dam provides water supply for the 1400-megawatt Centralia Steam Electric Plant and supplements flows for fish resources. The river begins with several tributaries in the Snoqualmie National Forest in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, and flows west past the town of Bucoda, Washington to its confluence with the Chehalis River near Centralia, Washington.
The name Skookumchuck derives from Chinook Jargon: in this context, "rapids". The word skookum means "strong", and chuck means "water".

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Watershed River Levels

1820

Cubic Feet Per Second

1060

Cubic Feet Per Second

858

Cubic Feet Per Second

179

Cubic Feet Per Second