UMATILLA RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 25, 2024
45.73, -118.19


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Umatilla River was last observed at 3,378 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 6,700 acre-ft of water today; about 215% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,573 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-04-10 when daily discharge volume was observed at 23,710 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Umatilla River Near Umatilla reporting a streamflow rate of 1,490 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Umatilla R At W Reservation Bndy Nr Pendleton with a gauge stage of 5.69 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Umatilla River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,871 ft, the Umatilla River Above Meacham Creek.

The Umatilla River is a tributary of the Columbia River, located in northeastern Oregon. The river was historically home to the Umatilla Native American tribe, who fished and hunted along the river. The river runs for 89 miles, beginning in the Blue Mountains and flowing through the Umatilla National Forest. The river's hydrology has been impacted by the construction of several dams, including the McKay and Wildhorse Reservoirs. These dams provide irrigation water for agriculture and hydroelectric power. The river is also used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The Umatilla River supports populations of Chinook salmon, steelhead, and other fish species. Agricultural uses include the growing of wheat, hay, and fruit trees.

Last Updated 2024-12-25
Discharge Volume 6,700 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 3,378.0 cfs
+1427.0 cfs (+73.14%)
Percent of Normal 214.72%
Maximum 23,710.0 cfs
2019-04-10
Seasonal Avg 1,573 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Umatilla River Above Meacham Creek
USGS 14020000
588 cfs 4.62 ft 65.17
Umatilla R At W Reservation Bndy Nr Pendleton
USGS 14020850
1300 cfs 5.69 ft 54.58
Umatilla River Near Umatilla
USGS 14033500
1490 cfs 4.24 ft 97.61
History of the River

The Umatilla River is an 89-mile (143 km) tributary of the Columbia River in the U.S. state of Oregon. Draining a basin of 2,450 square miles (6,300 km2), it enters the Columbia near the city of Umatilla in the northeastern part of the state. In downstream order, beginning at the headwaters, major tributaries of the Umatilla River are the North Fork Umatilla River and the South Fork Umatilla River, then Meacham, McKay, Birch, and Butter creeks.
The name Umatilla is derived from the Native American name for the river, which was first recorded as Youmalolam in the journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and spelled in many other ways in early books about Oregon.

       

Get Unparalelled Insights

Explore the 3D Map

Whether you're planning your next ski trip or tracking stream flows for an upcoming rafting expedition, our map has it all.

Weather Forecast