Skagit River Instream Flows
For each month of the year the Department of Ecology has established minimum Instream Flow Levels for the Skagit River.
The data is based on the height and flow of the Skagit utilizing the U.S. Geological Survey Gaging Station near Mount Vernon.
If we fall below prescribed levels, we have certain public notification processes that we must adhere to based on the 1996 Memorandum of Agreement signed by:
- Skagit PUD
- City of Anacortes
- Skagit County
- Upper Skagit Tribe
- Sauk-Suiattle Tribe
- Swinomish Tribe
- Department of Ecology
- Department of Fish and Wildlife
The levels in the table below were established to maintain minimum water levels in the Skagit to protect fish habitat. The Skagit is the only river system in Washington that supports all five species of salmon. It provides about 20% of the fresh water flowing into Puget Sound.
| Month | Day | Minimum Flow (cfs) |
|---|---|---|
|
January
|
1-31 | 10,000 |
|
February
|
1-29 | 10,000 |
|
March
|
1-31 | 10,000 |
|
April
|
1-30 | 12,000 |
|
May
|
1-31 | 12,000 |
|
June
|
1-30 | 12,000 |
|
July
|
1-31 | 10,000 |
|
August
|
1-31 | 10,000 |
|
September
|
1-30 | 10,000 |
|
October
|
1-31 | 13,000 |
|
November
|
1-15 | 13,000 |
|
November
|
16-30 | 11,000 |
|
December
|
1-15 | 11,000 |
|
December
|
16-31 | 10,000 |