Nibi Metrics
Real-time water levels, forecasts, and alerts for lakes and rivers across Canada and the US. Built on official government data.
Nibi Metrics turns raw gauge readings from official hydrometric networks into something a person standing on a dock can actually use: is the water high or low for today, which way is it moving, and how unusual is this? This page explains where every number on the platform comes from and what we do to it along the way.
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Colville R at Umiat AK Water Level
Live river level, flow, historical records and forecast for Colville R at Umiat AK in AK, United States, built from official government gauge data.
- Location AK, United States
- Watershed chandler anaktuvuk rivers
- Primary gauge 15875000 (USGS)
About Colville R at Umiat AK
Colville River - A vital waterway in the Alaskan wilderness.
The Colville River at Umiat, Alaska, serves as an essential artery within the Chandler-Anaktuvuk Rivers watershed. This river flows through a regional landscape that is deeply influenced by subarctic hydrology, characterized by seasonal extremes that shape its water levels and flow patterns.
The watershed context
The Colville River is fed by a significant drainage area, with approximately 13,860 square miles contributing to its flow. This extensive catchment plays a critical role in the river's health and sustainability. In the subarctic environment, water levels are shaped dramatically by the spring thaw and snowmelt, leading to annual floods that can be intensified by ice jams. The river typically sees peaks in mid-to-late summer, linked to glacier contributions, while deep winter low flows occur as the river freezes over.
The climate significantly affects the Colville River, echoing the seasonal patterns found throughout Alaska. As the spring months roll in, the melting snow fuels the river, resulting in higher flow rates and a dynamic aquatic environment. In contrast, during the peak of winter, the river sees reduced flow, encased under a thick layer of ice.
Why the data matters here
Understanding the water levels of the Colville River at Umiat is crucial for various users, from local residents to researchers. Today's reading offers a clear snapshot of current water conditions compared to the historical median for this date, providing valuable context for assessing changes over time. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) operates this station, and the data collected here helps inform about natural events and influences within the ecosystem.
By tracking how these current levels compare to the historical record—spanning more than 24 years—stakeholders can gain insights into trends that may indicate shifts in hydrology, climate impact, or ecological health. The median for today’s date acts as a reliable benchmark for understanding how seasonal variations play out in this vital waterway.
How this page is built
Readings come from official government gauges and are rolled into daily records: the daily mean, high and low for every day on record. Each calendar day gets its own baseline from the full history, so the level you see is compared against what this specific date usually looks like rather than an annual average.
How Nibi Metrics works · Water stories
