2 USGS Streamgages · Columbia River system
Chelan River flows and levels
Chelan River is gauged at 2 USGS streamgages in Washington, each tracked by Rivermatics. The mainstem runs about 80 miles (129 km) from headwaters to outlet. It drains into the Columbia River system. It drains roughly 932 square miles at its outlet. The gauged reach falls about 399 feet, from 1,123 feet down to 725.
Gauges on this river, upstream to downstream
Ordered by drainage area, which is how far down the river each gauge sits. April and July figures are long-term median daily flows for that month from the USGS record — historical normals, not a forecast and not today's reading.
| Gauge | State | Drainage sq mi | Elevation ft | April p50 cfs | July p50 cfs | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelan River at Chelan, WA | WA | 924 | 1,123 | 1,274 | 2,939.4 | — |
| Chelan River at Habitat 4 Channel at Chelan Falls, WA | WA | — | 725 | 249.6 | — | — |
Typical flow by month at Chelan River at Habitat 4 Channel at Chelan Falls, WA
The furthest-downstream gauge on this river, so the fullest flow it carries here. Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 9 years of data), averaged within each month. These describe the historical normal range — they are not a forecast and not today's reading.
Only 5 of 12 months have enough record to summarize; the rest are omitted.
| Month | Low p10 | Typical p50 | High p90 | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | — | 174.7 | — | |
| April | — | 249.6 | — | |
| May | — | 210.3 | — | |
| October | — | 169.4 | — | |
| November | 237.6 | 253.5 | 272.7 |
All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Common questions
- When does the Chelan River run highest?
- November, on the long-term record at Chelan River at Habitat 4 Channel at Chelan Falls, WA — the furthest-downstream gauge Rivermatics tracks on this river. Median daily flow there is about 253.5 cfs that month, against 169.4 cfs in October, the lowest. Upstream gauges peak on their own schedule; the table on this page gives April and July for each.
- How many gauges are on the Chelan River?
- Rivermatics tracks 2 USGS streamgages on the Chelan River, across Washington. Each has its own page with the site's full flow record and monthly normals. The river may carry other gauges that publish neither daily values nor discharge statistics; those are not tracked here.
- What river system is the Chelan River part of?
- The Chelan River drains into the Columbia River system — it is a tributary somewhere in that chain, following the flowpath down to its terminal river. Rivermatics builds this from the USGS/geoconnex reference-mainstem network rather than from names.
- Can I use Chelan River data for flood or safety decisions?
- No. Rivermatics provides estimates, not guarantees, and the readings and forecasts here may be delayed, inaccurate, or wrong. Do not use them for navigation or for any safety, rescue, or emergency decision. Check the National Weather Service and USGS directly, and use your own judgment.
Other rivers in the Columbia River system
- Snake River 31 gauges
- Willamette River 11 gauges
- Mckenzie River 9 gauges
- Big Wood River 8 gauges
- Bull Run River 6 gauges
- Cowlitz River 6 gauges
- Deschutes River 6 gauges
- Methow River 6 gauges