Gauge Description:

While there is no gauge, discharge for this reach is calculated from change in reservoir height and release from the reservoir downstream. The value can be found on the USBR Yakima Project site as reservoir inflow for the Cle Elum (keep in mind this is a caculated value and sometimes the numbers are a bit off--check flows for the last few days and compare to nearby rivers to make sure the data make sense). Look for flows of 1500 to 3000 cfs. The run is upstream of two major tributaries so actual flow will be slightly lower. It has been run higher but the run gets pretty meaty, and at lower flows it's a bit of a scrape (if the run is outside the recommended range consider the alternate access for the lower have of the run (below S Turn) known as the China Gorge section, which is more forgiving at higher flows and holds its water better during lower flows--down to 800 cfs). To see data from the last few days go to the data archive, select station CLE with parameter QU which is the calculated inflow. For a second check, the Teanaway River at Forks is maintained by USBR and is the next drainage to the east. The Cle Elum should be good between about 250 and 800 cfs on the Teanaway gauge. The closest USGS gauge is the Wenatchee at Peshastin; look for flows of 6000-9000 cfs on this gauge.