THOMPSON RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 631 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 318.0 cfs
+81.0 cfs (+34.18%)
Percent of Normal 108.7%
Maximum 89,587.0 cfs
2014-09-11
Seasonal Avg 293 cfs

Total streamflow across the Thompson River was last observed at 318 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 631 acre-ft of water today; about 109% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 293 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2014-09-11 when daily discharge volume was observed at 89,587 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Thompson River At Davis City reporting a streamflow rate of 185 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Thompson River At Trenton with a gauge stage of 10.37 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Thompson River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 2,440 ft, the Thompson River Near Thompson Falls Mt.

The Thompson River is a major tributary of the Fraser River, flowing 489 km through British Columbia, Canada. The river has a rich history, beginning with the Indigenous peoples who have lived along its banks for thousands of years. It was also an important transportation route during the fur trade era and later for the Canadian Pacific Railway. The river's hydrology is affected by seasonal snowmelt and precipitation, resulting in high water levels in the spring and low water levels in the summer. The river is home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Nicola Dam and Reservoir and the Mica Dam and Reservoir. These reservoirs serve as important sources of hydroelectric power for the region. The Thompson River is also an important source of irrigation water for agricultural lands in the region. Recreational activities along the river include fishing, rafting, and camping.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Thompson River Near Thompson Falls Mt
USGS 12389500
102 cfs 2.6 ft -2.8
Thompson River At Davis City
USGS 06898000
185 cfs 1.5 ft -10.68
Thompson River At Trenton
USGS 06899500
152 cfs 10.37 ft 64.62
History of the River

The Thompson River is the largest tributary of the Fraser River, flowing through the south-central portion of British Columbia, Canada. The Thompson River has two main branches, the South Thompson River and the North Thompson River. The river is home to several varieties of Pacific salmon and trout. The area's geological history was heavily influenced by glaciation, and the several large glacial lakes have filled the river valley over the last 12,000 years. Archaeological evidence shows human habitation in the watershed dating back at least 8,300 years. The Thompson was named by Fraser River explorer, Simon Fraser, in honour of his friend, Columbia Basin explorer David Thompson. Recreational use of the river includes whitewater rafting and angling.

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Watershed River Levels

1030

Cubic Feet Per Second

967

Cubic Feet Per Second

224

Cubic Feet Per Second

214

Cubic Feet Per Second