Stream Flow

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Peak streamflow refers to the date in spring when water levels in the river are highest. When water comes and how much is available are important factors for forests and for the humans living downstream of them. Timing of peak streamflow is determined by warming temperatures, depth of the snowpack, and soil moisture going into winter, as well as timing of diversions (when humans move water to a location other than its natural flow).

For this indicator, we look at peak spring streamflow for the year. Peak streamflow typically happens in May or June and is closely tied to snowmelt. The data for this indicator come from US Geological Survey streamflow gauges in your watershed.