THOMPSON RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 25, 2024
40.77, -93.88


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Thompson River was last observed at 104 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 206 acre-ft of water today; about 8% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,242 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 Near Thompson Falls Mt reporting a streamflow rate of 104 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Thompson River At Trenton with a gauge stage of 9.8 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.

Last Updated 2024-12-25
Discharge Volume 206 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 104.0 cfs
+2.0 cfs (+1.96%)
Percent of Normal 8.38%
Maximum 89,587.0 cfs
2014-09-11
Seasonal Avg 1,242 cfs

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
104 cfs 2.61 ft 1.96
Thompson River At Davis City
USGS 06898000
63 cfs 0.97 ft 77.68
Thompson River At Trenton
USGS 06899500
89 cfs 9.8 ft -4.1
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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