How Cold Does The Willamette River Get? How Warm?

Water temperatures are on my mind today since this is the first day of the summer swimming season that I have wanted to use my "shorty" wet suit!  

USGS Graph tracking Willamette River Water Temperatures over the past 12 months (degrees Farenheight on Right)

When I checked the water temperature on the USGS web site, I found that the temperature had dropped in the past couple of weeks from a balmy 74 degrees, to just above 65 degrees today. In another month, we will likely see 58 degrees.  Brrr! Time to move to the heated pool at the gym!

The USGS graph shows that over the past twelve months the high temperatures of around 75 degrees occurred in July and August, and the low temperatures of around 36 degrees occurred in December and February.

The USGS site tracks many other river water data points that can be very useful. For example, if you are kayaking in the winter months, you can check the site to determine the best days of the week and times of day to catch the lowest current paddling times.  Who knew statistics could be so much fun?!