SOUTH UMPQUA RIVER
January 14, 2025
TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
South Umpqua River
was last observed at
4,760
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
9,441
acre-ft of water today; about 39%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
12,206 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2014-12-22 when daily discharge volume was observed at
73,300 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
South Umpqua River Near Brockway
reporting a streamflow rate of 3,620 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the South Umpqua River, with a gauge stage of
7.52 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the South Umpqua River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 991 ft, the
South Umpqua River At Tiller.
The South Umpqua River is a 115-mile-long river in southwestern Oregon, United States. The river was named after the Umpqua tribe of Native Americans who inhabited the area. The headwaters of the river are located in the Cascade Range, and it flows into the Pacific Ocean near Reedsport. The river is a major tributary of the Umpqua River. The hydrology of the river is highly regulated by several dams and reservoirs, including the Galesville Reservoir, the Tiller Reservoir, and the South Umpqua Falls Reservoir. These reservoirs serve various purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and flood control. The South Umpqua River is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, camping, and boating. The river's waters are used for agricultural purposes, including the cultivation of berries and orchards.
| Last Updated | 2025-01-14 |
| Discharge Volume | 9,441 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
4,760.0 cfs
-620.0 cfs (-11.52%) |
| Percent of Normal | 39.0% |
| Maximum |
73,300.0 cfs
2014-12-22 |
| Seasonal Avg | 12,206 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
South Umpqua River At Tiller
USGS 14308000 |
1140 cfs | 3.67 ft | -14.93 | |||||
|
South Umpqua River Near Brockway
USGS 14312000 |
3620 cfs | 7.52 ft | -10.4 |
History of the River
The Umpqua River ( UMP-kwə) on the Pacific coast of Oregon in the United States is approximately 111 miles (179 km) long. One of the principal rivers of the Oregon Coast and known for bass and shad, the river drains an expansive network of valleys in the mountains west of the Cascade Range and south of the Willamette Valley, from which it is separated by the Calapooya Mountains. From its source northeast of Roseburg, the Umpqua flows northwest through the Oregon Coast Range and empties into the Pacific at Winchester Bay. The river and its tributaries flow entirely within Douglas County, which encompasses most of the watershed of the river from the Cascades to the coast. The "Hundred Valleys of the Umpqua" form the heart of the timber industry of southern Oregon, generally centered on Roseburg.
The Native Americans in the Umpqua's watershed consist of several tribes, such as the Umpqua (a band of the Coquille for which the river is named), and the Kalapuya. These tribes witnessed much of the Great Flood of 1862, during which the Umpqua and other rivers rose to levels so high that even the oldest Indians had never seen a greater flood.