Lake Chelan — Washington State
Lake Chelan
Lake Level
Live USGS gauge readings, updated every 15 minutes. Track the 1096 ft threshold for boat-in campgrounds and boat lifts.
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Overview
Lake Chelan is a natural lake that was dammed in the early 1900s, and since then the lake level rises and falls on an annual schedule managed by Chelan PUD, tied to snowmelt, irrigation, and hydroelectric operations. For boaters and campers on the upper lake, the number that matters most is 1096 ft — the elevation at which several boat-in campground docks become accessible and boat lifts along the shore can start being used.
The lake typically crosses 1096 on its way up in May or early June, depending on how much snow fell in the surrounding mountains that winter. It holds above 1096 through summer and into early fall before Chelan PUD begins drawing it down to create storage for winter runoff. The fall crossing — when it drops back below 1096 — usually happens in September or October. Several campground docks become inaccessible at that point, though campgrounds with year-round dock access remain reachable regardless of lake level.
The current reading and 24-hour trend are pulled directly from the USGS stream gauge at Lake Chelan, updated every 15 minutes. When the lake is approaching 1096 in either direction, the widget also shows Chelan PUD's operational forecast for when the level is expected to cross the threshold — based on their snowpack and inflow modeling, not a simple extrapolation.
Lake Level
Lake Chelan rises and falls each year on a schedule managed by Chelan PUD, tied to snowmelt, irrigation, and hydroelectric operations. The key threshold for boat-in camping is 1096 ft — the elevation at which several upper-lake campground docks become accessible. Graham Harbor Creek, Moore Point, Flick Creek, and Weaver Point all have seasonal docks that open around 1096. Other campgrounds, including Prince Creek, Corral Creek, Graham Harbor, Domke Falls, Refrigerator Harbor, and Purple Point, have year-round dock access regardless of lake level. The 1096 mark also matters for private boat lifts along the shore.
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Things to Know
Spring Rise (Apr–Jun)
The lake begins climbing on snowmelt in April and typically crosses the 1096 ft threshold somewhere between mid-May and early June, depending on snowpack. Heavy snow years push it earlier; dry years can delay it into June. This is when dock access opens at Graham Harbor Creek, Moore Point, Flick Creek, and Weaver Point for the season.
Summer High (Jul–Aug)
The lake reaches its annual high pool in midsummer, often approaching 1098–1100 ft. Boat-in campgrounds are fully open, boat lifts are well within range, and the waterfront is at its most accessible. This is peak season on the upper lake.
Fall Drawdown (Sep–Oct)
Chelan PUD begins drawing the lake down in late summer to create storage capacity for winter runoff. The level typically falls below 1096 sometime in September or October. Campgrounds with seasonal docks — Graham Harbor Creek, Moore Point, Flick Creek, and Weaver Point — become inaccessible. Campgrounds with year-round dock access, including Prince Creek, Corral Creek, Graham Harbor, Domke Falls, Refrigerator Harbor, and Purple Point, remain reachable.
Winter Low (Nov–Mar)
The lake sits at its lowest through winter, typically in the 1079–1085 ft range. Chelan PUD manages levels within the bounds of its federal operating license, balancing recreation, irrigation, and hydroelectric generation. The fill cycle begins again with spring snowmelt.
The 1096 Threshold
At 1096 ft, dock access opens at several upper-lake campgrounds, and boat lifts along the shore can start being used. It is a practical rule of thumb rather than a hard cutoff — some lifts work a few inches below, others need slightly more. Many campgrounds have year-round dock access regardless of the level; the 1096 threshold specifically matters for Graham Harbor Creek, Moore Point, Flick Creek, and Weaver Point.
How the Level is Managed
Lake Chelan is a regulated reservoir operated by Chelan PUD under a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license. The annual operating range runs roughly 1079–1100 ft. PUD balances recreation access, downstream irrigation rights, power generation, and flood control when setting the fill and drawdown schedule each year.
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