Cowlitz River at Kelso

1. 28.50 ftmajor flooding in Kelso occurs, including residential and business areas. Numerous roads are flooded and closed, and levees may be subject to erosion and overtopping at this level.
2. 26.50 ftsome flooding of business and residential areas occurs in Kelso. Numerous road closures can be expected. The top of some levees are approached at this level.
3. 24.50 ftflooding of a few residential areas in Kelso begins. Also expect widespread flooding of pasture land and low lying roads.
4. 21.50 ftflooding of several low lying and secondary roads begins, including the Cowlitz Gardens neighborhood, along with flooding of pasture and lowland upstream of Kelso.
5. 19.50 ftthe river is at bankfull level.

Most recent crests

• March 14, 2026: 23.50 ft
• December 19, 2025: 23.60 ft
• December 6, 2023: 22.10 ft
• January 7, 2022: 24.00 ft
• November 13, 2021: 21.90 ft
• December 11, 2015: 22.40 ft
• December 9, 2015: 24.20 ft
• November 18, 2015: 22.10 ft
• January 17, 2011: 21.50 ft
• January 8, 2009: 24.20 ft

• UpstreamCowlitz River at Lexington
• DownstreamColumbia River at Longview
• Cowlitz River at Castle Rock
• Columbia River at Kalama
• Abernathy Creek at Longview
• Mill Creek at Longview
• Columbia River at Port Westward near Clatskanie 5N
• Toutle River at Tower Road near Silver Lake

Forecasts by the Northwest River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued routinely year-round. Gauge readings inaccurate - awaiting repair.

Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service.