TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)
SUMMARY
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Skykomish River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Skykomish River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
The Skykomish River is a 29-mile long river in northwestern Washington, USA. It originates from the Cascade Mountains and flows into the Snohomish River. Historically, the river was used for transportation and logging. Today, it is popular for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The Skykomish River is also used for agricultural purposes such as irrigation. The river's hydrology is primarily fed by snowmelt and rainfall. There are several reservoirs and dams along the river, including the Culmback Dam and the Sunset Falls Dam, which provide hydroelectric power to the surrounding areas. The Skykomish River is an important natural resource for the region, and efforts are being made to preserve its ecological and recreational values.
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Skykomish River Near Gold Bar
USGS 12134500 |
3940 cfs | 7.28 ft | -39.38 |
History of the River
The Skykomish River is a Washington river which drains the west side of the Cascade Mountains in the southeast section of Snohomish County and the northeast corner of King County. The river starts with the confluence of the North Fork Skykomish River and South Fork Skykomish River approximately one mile west of Index, then flowing northwesterly towards Puget Sound. It is joined by the Sultan River and the Wallace River at Sultan. It then meets the Snoqualmie River to form the Snohomish River at Monroe. The Snohomish River continues along the river valley eventually dumping into Port Gardner Bay on Possession Sound (part of Puget Sound).
The Skykomish River's main stem is 29 miles (47 km) long. The length including its headwater tributaries, South Fork Skykomish and Tye River, is 62.4 miles (100 km). The Skykomish's drainage basin is 834 square miles (2,160 km2) in area.U.S. Highway 2 and the BNSF Railway are routed to follow the Skykomish River, South Fork Skykomish, and Tye River to Stevens Pass and the Cascade Tunnel.
The Skykomish is sometimes referred to by the nickname "Sky River" or "The Sky".
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the South Fork is about twice the size of the North Fork in terms of both discharge and watershed area above their confluence at Index, making it the true hydrologic source of the Skykomish River. The South Fork average flow of 2,431 cu ft/s (68.8 m3/s) is sourced from a drainage area of 355 square miles (920 km2), compared to the North Fork which has an average flow of 1,216 cu ft/s (34.4 m3/s) from a drainage area of 146 square miles (380 km2). In turn the source of the South Fork – in terms of streamflow – is the Rapid River, a tributary of the Beckler River, which in turn is a tributary of the South Fork Skykomish.The name "Skykomish" comes from the Northern Lushootseed word /sq'íxʷəbš/, meaning "upriver people", from /q'íxʷ/, "upstream". It is the name of a Southern Coast Salish group.
