Centennial Streamgages in Washington State
In 1887 the USGS began monitoring streamflow in the Yakima River at Kiona. The streamgage is still in operation, providing real-time data to inform decision-making and serve the public. The Kiona gage is one of several centennial streamgages in the state, locations where USGS recorded data for at least 100 years.
Streamgages enable hydrologists to record stream water levels and streamflow without needing to constantly make direct measurements. The Nation’s water needs have evolved over the past 100+ years and so has much of the technology used to measure water. USGS streamgage monitoring data continues to benefit communities by providing information about flooding, drought, safety, and engineering design.
Long-term records of streamflow are especially prized. Longer records contain information that allows scientists to conduct statistical analyses and examine trends through time. Additionally, streamgages record how often a river has flooded in the past and thus provide information about how frequently flooding might occur in the future. Centennial streamgages are designated as locations where the USGS has monitored rivers and streams for 100 years or more.
Centennial Streamgages in Washington State
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12039500 - Quinault River at Quinault Lake, WA (1911) |
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12045500 - Elwha River at Mcdonald BR Near Port Angeles, WA (1897) |
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12101500 - Puyallup River at Puyallup, WA (1914) |
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12116500 - Cedar River at Cedar Falls, WA (1903) |
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12117500 - Cedar River Near Landsburg, WA (1895) |
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12178000 - Skagit River at Newhalem, WA (1908) |
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12186000 - Sauk River above White Chuck River Near Darrington, WA (1910) |
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12409000 - Colville River at Kettle Falls, WA (1922) |
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12422500 - Spokane River at Spokane, WA (1891) |
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12451000 - Stehekin River at Stehekin, WA (1910) |
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12452500 - Chelan River at Chelan, WA (1903) |
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12457000 - Wenatchee River at Plain, WA (1904) |
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12472800 - Columbia River below Priest Rapids Dam, WA (1917) |
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12484500 - Yakima River at Umtanum, WA (1908) |
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12510500 - Yakima River at Kiona, WA (1887) |
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14123500 - White Salmon River Near Underwood, WA (1912) |
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14220500 - Lewis River at Ariel, WA (1909) |
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14226500 - Cowlitz River at Packwood, WA (1911) |
Total: 18 centennial gages in Washington
Updated: December 2023
Explore historical photos of streamgaging in Washington State
Related Content
USGS Streamgaging Network
Streamgaging Basics
Federal Priority Streamgages (FPS)
How do we benefit from USGS streamgages?
Information on the flow of rivers is a vital national asset that safeguards lives, protects property, and ensures adequate water supplies for the future. The USGS is the federal agency responsible for operating a network of about 7,000 streamgages nationwide. Data from this network are used by water managers, emergency responders, utilities, environmental agencies, universities, consulting firms...
Where can I get real-time and historical streamflow information?
The best starting point for USGS streamflow data is the interactive National Water Information System (NWIS): Mapper website. Zoom in to your area of interest or use the search options in the left navigation window. The map displays active surface-water sites by default, but you can change the type of water site (surface-water, groundwater, springs, atmospheric) and select to show inactive sites...
Related Content
USGS Streamgaging Network
Streamgaging Basics
Federal Priority Streamgages (FPS)
How do we benefit from USGS streamgages?
Information on the flow of rivers is a vital national asset that safeguards lives, protects property, and ensures adequate water supplies for the future. The USGS is the federal agency responsible for operating a network of about 7,000 streamgages nationwide. Data from this network are used by water managers, emergency responders, utilities, environmental agencies, universities, consulting firms...
Where can I get real-time and historical streamflow information?
The best starting point for USGS streamflow data is the interactive National Water Information System (NWIS): Mapper website. Zoom in to your area of interest or use the search options in the left navigation window. The map displays active surface-water sites by default, but you can change the type of water site (surface-water, groundwater, springs, atmospheric) and select to show inactive sites...