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U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Scientific Investigations Report 2008–5180

Seepage Investigation for Selected River Reaches in the Chehalis River Basin, Washington

Prepared in cooperation with the
Washington State Department of Ecology and the
Chehalis Basin Partnership

By D. Matthew Ely, Kenneth E. Frasl, Cameron A. Marshall, and Fred Reed

Abstract

A study was completed in September 2007 in the Chehalis River basin to determine gain or loss of streamflow by measuring discharge at selected intervals within various reaches along the Chehalis River and its tributaries. Discharge was measured at 68 new and existing streamflow sites, where gains and losses were determined for 36 stream reaches. Streamflow gains were measured for 22 reaches and losses were measured for 13 reaches. No gain or loss was measured at the Chehalis River between the Newaukum and Skookumchuck Rivers. The Chehalis River exhibited a pattern of alternating gains and losses as it entered the area of wide, gentle relief known as the Grand Mound Prairie. The general pattern of tributary ground- and surface-water interaction was discharge to streams (gaining reaches) in the upper reaches and discharge to the ground-water system (losing reaches) as the tributaries entered the broad, flat Chehalis River valley.

Contents

Abstract
Introduction
Seepage Investigation
Summary
References Cited
Appendix A. Details of Method to Estimate Discharge with Miscellaneous Measurement

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Download the report (PDF, 1.8 MB)

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Send questions or comments about this report to the author, D. Matthew Ely, (253) 552-1622.

For more information about USGS activities in Washington, visit the USGS Washington Water Science Center home page.