River and stream flow monitoring
We maintain a network of stream-gaging stations that report streamflow conditions in rivers and streams across the state. The information is used to monitor flow conditions for water supplies for people and migrating fish, recreational activities and to develop strategies to respond to climate change. The data we collect are available to view and download.
Continuous data for rivers and streams
The Freshwater DataStream application contains nearly real-time data for our long-term monitoring program. Data show streamflows and some water quality parameters gathered by our automated stations. It also contains historical data records for discontinued stations.
Impacts of climate change on streamflow
We have been monitoring streams for decades, and our long-term streamflow data show that lower-than-normal summer streamflow levels have become more common in recent years. Streamflow seems to be decreasing over time all across the state. This trend appears to align with warming weather trends.
The low flows interactive dashboard below can help you to see these trends in five different watersheds in the Puget Sound Basin. For each river and stream site, compare:
- The percentage of days that the site had unusually low flow for each summer over time.
- Daily flows in a given year against historical conditions at the site.
The Freshwater DataStream application contains nearly real-time data for our long-term monitoring program. Data show streamflows and some water quality parameters gathered by our automated stations. Freshwater DataStream shows continuous data from active monitoring stations. It also contains historical data records for discontinued stations.
Check out our Statewide Stream Summary Map to see nearly real-time summaries of streamflow conditions around the state. Color-coded dots indicate if today's flows are above or below normal for this time of year.
Learn about streamflow monitoring methods
Flow monitoring methods for rivers & streams describes how we measure how much water flows through rivers and streams.
Related links
Contact information
Thomas Jetson
Freshwater Monitoring Unit Supervisor
thomas.jetson@ecy.wa.gov
564-669-1733
Jim Shedd
Hydrologist, Streamflow Team Lead
jim.shedd@ecy.wa.gov
360-522-2885
Paul Anderson
Basin Lead, WRIAs 1, 3, and 5
paul.anderson@ecy.wa.gov
360-338-2530
Tyler Burks
Basin Lead, WRIAs 17, 18, and 19
tyler.burks@ecy.wa.gov
360-764-3260
Casey Clishe
Basin Lead, WRIAs 19, 20, and 25
casey.clishe@ecy.wa.gov
360-485-5563
Andy Bookter
Basin Lead, WRIAs 24, 25, 26, 28, and 29
andy.bookter@ecy.wa.gov
360-701-9672
Mitch Wallace
Basin Lead, WRIAs 32, 34, 35, 56, and 59
Mitch.Wallce@ecy.wa.gov
509-828-7031
Mike Anderson
Basin Lead, WRIAs 30, 38, 39, 45, 46, 48, and 49
Mike.Anderson@ecy.wa.gov
509-220-1347