The Newaukum River is a tributary of the Chehalis River in the U.S. state of Washington. It has three main branches, the North Fork, South Fork, and Middle Fork Newaukum Rivers. The length of the three forks and the mainstem river is .
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.
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 , 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.
See also
- List of geographic features in Lewis County, Washington
- List of rivers of Washington (state)