TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
South Santiam River
was last observed at
5,140
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
10,195
acre-ft of water today; about 42%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
12,103 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2019-04-12 when daily discharge volume was observed at
53,930 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
South Santiam River At Waterloo
reporting a streamflow rate of 2,110 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
South Santiam River Near Foster
with a gauge stage of 11.01 ft.
This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the South Santiam River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 777 ft, the
South Santiam River Below Cascadia.
The South Santiam River is located in the state of Oregon, USA. It is 66 miles in length and is a tributary of the Santiam River. The river has a long history of supporting agricultural communities along its length, such as the Sweet Home area, which was known for its logging and milling industries. The river is also known for its hydroelectric power generation, with several dams and reservoirs along its course. The Green Peter and Foster dams are two of the largest reservoirs on the river, providing water for irrigation and recreation opportunities. Recreational activities such as fishing, camping, and hiking are popular along the South Santiam River, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
| Last Updated | 2024-12-23 |
| Discharge Volume | 10,195 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
5,140.0 cfs
-610.0 cfs (-10.61%) |
| Percent of Normal | 42.47% |
| Maximum |
53,930.0 cfs
2019-04-12 |
| Seasonal Avg | 12,103 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
South Santiam River Below Cascadia
USGS 14185000 |
1200 cfs | 4.47 ft | 1.69 | |||||
|
South Santiam River Near Foster
USGS 14187200 |
1830 cfs | 11.01 ft | -12.02 | |||||
|
South Santiam River At Waterloo
USGS 14187500 |
2110 cfs | 3.88 ft | -15.26 |
History of the River
The Santiam River is a tributary of the Willamette River, about 12 miles (19 km) long, in western Oregon in the United States. Through its two principal tributaries, the North Santiam and the South Santiam rivers, it drains a large area of the Cascade Range at the eastern side of the Willamette Valley east of Salem and Corvallis.
The main course of the river is short, formed in the Willamette Valley by the confluence of the North and South Santiam rivers on the border between Linn and Marion counties approximately 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Albany. It flows generally west-northwest in a slow meandering course to join the Willamette from the east approximately 8 miles (13 km) north of Albany.
Both the North and South Santiam rise in high Cascades in eastern Linn County. The Middle Santiam River joins the South Santiam where the South Santiam is impounded to form Foster Lake. The North Santiam is impounded to form the 400-foot (120 m) deep Detroit Lake in the Cascades. The Santiam is a major source of water supply for Salem.
The Great Willamette Flood of 1861, which crested on December 2, destroyed a large number of structures and animals on prairies near its confluence with the Willamette River and south of Knox Butte.Santiam River Zone is staffed by the Santiam Type 2 initial attack hand crew and two engines based out of the Detroit Ranger District. Additionally the Willamette National Forest has fire crews on the Mckenzie and Middle Fork Ranger Districts.