YAKIMA RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-19
Discharge Volume 11,369 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 5,732.0 cfs
+190.0 cfs (+3.43%)
Percent of Normal 68.69%
Maximum 78,140.0 cfs
2011-05-18
Seasonal Avg 8,344 cfs

Total streamflow across the Yakima River was last observed at 5,732 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 11,369 acre-ft of water today; about 69% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 8,344 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2011-05-18 when daily discharge volume was observed at 78,140 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Yakima River At Mabton reporting a streamflow rate of 1,850 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Yakima River Above Ahtanum Creek At Union Gap with a gauge stage of 40.26 ft. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Yakima River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,338 ft, the Yakima River At Umtanum.

The Yakima River is a tributary of the Columbia River that flows through Washington State. It stretches for 214 miles and has a rich history, having been home to various Native American tribes for centuries. It is also a popular destination for fly-fishing enthusiasts, as it is home to a variety of fish species, including trout, salmon, and steelhead.

The river's hydrology has been impacted by human activity, including the construction of dams and reservoirs. The Yakima River Basin Storage Alliance has worked to create reservoirs and dams that provide irrigation water to farms and ranches in the region, while also helping to protect the river's ecosystem.

Some of the most notable reservoirs on the Yakima River include the Cle Elum Lake Reservoir and the Bumping Lake Reservoir. The Yakima River also supports a variety of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and rafting.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Yakima River At Umtanum
USGS 12484500
852 cfs 30.77 ft 2.4
Yakima River Above Ahtanum Creek At Union Gap
USGS 12500450
1410 cfs 40.26 ft 2.92
Yakima River At Mabton
USGS 12508990
1850 cfs 12.45 ft 5.85
Yakima River At Kiona
USGS 12510500
1760 cfs 4.74 ft 7.98
History of the River

The Yakima River is a tributary of the Columbia River in south central and eastern Washington state, named for the indigenous Yakama people. The length of the river from headwaters to mouth is 214 miles (344 km), with an average drop of 9.85 feet per mile (1.866 m/km). It is the longest river entirely in Washington state.

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Watershed River Levels

73

Cubic Feet Per Second

654

Cubic Feet Per Second

68

Cubic Feet Per Second

115

Cubic Feet Per Second