River Navigation

The Columbia River forecast provides a six-day prediction of the Columbia River's navigation channel depth based on weather forecasts and tide tables. The results of the forecast can be impacted by actual weather conditions. This online planning tool incorporates the estimated vessel speed for calculating the estimated arrival time. River forecast data and tide levels are used to estimate the depth at various gauge points along the river.

When planning river transit, ship squat must be taken into consideration. This planning tool is not recommended for actual river navigation and is only intended to give an estimate of future channel conditions.

Enter your trip parameters to see the forecasted Columbia River depth at these locations.

The Columbia River Navigation Channel is maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers to 43 feet. Current available channel depth will vary from the authorized level and local conditions must be taken into consideration for any actual river transit. Please consult the Pilots for any specific deep-draft sailing requirements.

The Columbia River channel begins at the Columbia River bar and continues five miles upriver at a depth of 55 feet and a width of 2,640 feet. After which, it maintains a depth of 43 feet and a width of 600 feet for 100 miles to the Portland Harbor. The channel passes under the Astoria Bridge, with a vertical clearance of 208 feet and a horizontal clearance of 1070 feet, and the Longview Bridge, with vertical and horizontal clearances of 198 feet and 1085 feet, respectively.

For more information on Columbia River navigation, please visit one of the following sites:

Columbia River Bar Pilots
Columbia River Pilots
Merchant Exchange - Sign up to receive LOADMAX reports.
NW River Forecast Center

Note: Forecasts are provided in cooperation with the NW River Forecast Center.