Methow

The primary objective of the Methow Basin Streamflow Data Collection Program is to quantify flow regimes, especially during the base flow period, by establishing a network of streamflow gages throughout the basin. There is an emphasis on gaging tributaries to the Methow River and natural stream channels. Data collected at these gages includes cross section surveys, stream flow, temperature, and water elevation measurements.

The Methow basin currently has 7 USGS long-term, continuous stream gages installed in the basin as part of the National Network. In addition to this network, Okanogan County has overseen the installation of 15 additional continuous, seasonal and staff stream gages to gain a better understanding of the river system. This program was initiated in the fall of 2000 to supplement existing streamflow data in the Methow Basin but due to funding the operation of the County gauges have been suspended for the 2004 water year.

The U.S. Geological Survey (U.S. Department of Interior) however, continues to operate their gages in the watershed.  This data can be viewed on the USGS site. The following links may be helpful in accessing data, however, below is not an exhaustive list and you are encouraged to explore the information rich USGS site.


The table below describes gages historically and currently installed and operated in the Methow Basin by Okanogan County.

Name Period of Record (seasonal) Station Type Comments
Gold Creek at Gold Creek Loop Road Bridge 9/6/00 - 11/4/02 Continuous w/Temperature  
Libby Creek at Highway 153 Bridge 9/6/00 - 11/4/02 Continuous w/Temperature Pressure sensor equipment error, 4/20/01 - 7/13/01
Little Bridge Creek at Twisp River Road 9/5/00 - 10/6/01 Non-record Station eliminated after 2001 due to insignificant stream flow
Buttermilk Creek at West Fork Buttermilk Road 9/5/00 - 10/6/01 Non-record Station eliminated after 2001 due to insignificant stream flow
Beaver Creek downstream of Frazer Creek 9/21/00 - 11/4/02 Continuous w/Temperature Data logger failure, 5/20/02 - 11/6/02.
Wolf Creek at Wolf Creek Rd 9/29/00 - 11/7/02 Continuous w/Temperature Data logger stolen 5/02.  New logger installed upstream of original location on 10/6/02.
Chewuch upstream of Fulton Ditch Diversion 9/1/00 - 11/06/02 Continuous  
Chewuch between Skyline/Boulder 9/7/00 - 11/12/01 Continuous Station eliminated after 2001 due to unstable rating curve
Cub Creek upstream of W.Chewuch Rd. 4/12/01 - 11/12/01 Non-record Station eliminated after 2001 due to insignificant stream flow
Chewuch at Eightmile Ranch 8/31/00 - 11/12/01 Non-record  
Chewuch at Eightmile Ranch 2/26/02 - 5/20/02;
8/18/02 - 11/6/02		 Continuous Continuous gage installed on 3/12/02.  Staff gage knocked over during high flow period in late May.  Gage reinstalled on 8/16/02 about 500 feet downstream of original site. 
Eightmile Creek upstream of Diversion 8/21/00 - 11/6/02 Continuous w/Temperature  
Methow River at Weeman Bridge 9/5/00 - 11/21/02 Non-record Staff gage lost ot high flows in the last week of May, 2002.  New gage installed on 10/15/02 about 80 ft downstream of original site.
Early Winters Creek abv Early Winters Diversion 9/5/00 - 11/21/02 Non-record  
Goat Creek at Lost River Road 8/29/00 - 9/11/01 Continuous w/Temperature Station eliminated after 2001 due to insignificant stream flow
Weeman Test Well 9/27/01 - Present; year round data Well Continuous water level w/Temperature This station measures water depth in a County well throughout the year
Twisp Well 8/9/02 - Present; year round data Well Continuous water level w/Temperature This station measures water depth in a Town of Tiwisp well throughout the year

The data that Okanogan County collected in previous water years of 2001, 2002, and 2003 can viewed in the eLibary.

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