Newaukum River

History

The removal of salmon culverts on the Middle Fork of the Newaukum River were completed in 2019. Part of a $46.2 million statewide project overseen by the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board, the elimination of the barriers provides the opportunity for the return of Coho salmon.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) monitors the river via calibrated "base flow" gauges. Due to reduced waterflow in summer 2023, the USGS could not use its gauge system to compare against historic lows of the water levels of the Newaukum.

Course

Mainstem

Formed by the confluence of the North and South Forks in Newaukum Prairie, the mainstem Newaukum River flows generally west and north. After 10.9 mi, near the city of Chehalis, the Newaukum River empties into the Chehalis River, at Chehalis river mile 75.2.

Middle Fork

The Middle Fork Newaukum River, the shortest of the three forks, originates at . It flows southwest into Alpha Prairie. It turns west and flows through hillier terrain before entering the Newaukum Prairie and emptying into the North Fork Newaukum River.

North Fork

The North Fork Newaukum River originates in the Cascade Range at . It flows generally west for approximately 19 mi, entering a broad valley near its confluence with Mitchell Creek, after which it flows south and southwest. In Newaukum Prairie it is joined by the Middle Fork Newaukum River. Shortly below the Middle Fork confluence the North Fork joins the South Fork to form the mainstem Newaukum River.

The cities of Chehalis and Centralia divert part of the North Fork's waters for municipal use at river mile 12.5

South Fork

The South Fork Newaukum River originates at Newaukum Lake in the Cascade Range, at . It flows generally west. It exits the mountains and enters broad valleys and prairie lands, flowing by the community of Onalaska. The river turns north in Newaukum Prairie and joins the North Fork to form the mainstem Newaukum River.

Wildlife and biology

The mainstem river and some of its forks and tributaries support both spring and fall Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, and other fish.

References

References

1. "Water Resources Data-Washington Water Year 2005; Chehalis and Humptulips River Basins". United States Geological Survey.
2. "Chehalis River Basin Nonpoint Action Plan = Newaukum River". Chehalis River Council.
3. {{GNIS. 1506968. Newaukum River
4. Bright, William. (2007). "Native American placenames of the United States". University of Oklahoma Press.
5. (November 20, 2019). "First barrier removed in Newaukum River near Chehalis to help salmon navigate upstream". KING 5 News (Seattle, Washington).
6. Course info for the mainstem and forks mainly from USGS topographic maps
7. {{GNIS. 1523076. Middle Fork Newaukum River
8. {{GNIS. 1523810. North Fork Newaukum River
9. {{GNIS. 1526220. South Fork Newaukum River
10. (April 29, 1994). "Anglers prepare for opening day". The Chronicle.
11. (July 24, 2023). "'Critical' low flows in Chehalis River Basin threaten aquatic species, agriculture". The Chronicle.