Salinas River
Page last updated: March 12, 2023
The Salinas River watershed originates 4,000 ft. above sea level in the Santa Ynez Mountains and drains 4,600 square miles. The Salinas River has three main tributaries: Arroyo Seco, Nacimiento and San Antonio Rivers. The Salinas River flows 90 miles, emptying into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Nacimiento and San Antonio dams are located on tributaries to the Salinas River. (Source: Monterey County Water Resource Agency – Major Flood Hazards)
USGS Water Alert allows you to get notifications for changes in water conditions based on thresholds you choose. Observation stations are listed from the headwaters to the mouth of the river. Map of USGS observation stations available via the National Water Dashboard. To learn more about the program, visit USGS’s WaterAlerts page.
River Monitoring Points
Below Santa Margarita Lake in San Luis Obispo County
Lat/Long: 35.334167, -120.503333
National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
@ Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County
Lat/Long: 35.6285813, -120.6843373, Site Identification Number: 11147500
California Nevada River Forecast Center – main page and ensemble forecasts
USGS WaterAlert – Create Alerts for This Location
National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
@ Soledad, CA in Monterey County
Lat/Long: 36.411076, -121.3193738, Site Identification Number: 11151700
USGS WaterAlert – Create Alerts for This Location
National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
Near Bradley, CA in Monterey County
Lat/Long: 35.9302434, -120.8687915, Site Identification Number: 11150500
California Nevada River Forecast Center – main page and ensemble forecasts
USGS WaterAlert – Create Alerts for This Location
National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
@ San Lucas Bridge in Monterey County
Lat/Long: 36.116944, -121.12
National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
@ Soledad in Monterey County
Lat/Long: 36.203333, -121.142778
National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
Near Chualar, CA in Monterey County
Lat/Long: 36.55357267, -121.5493856, Site Identification Number: 11152300
USGS WaterAlert – Create Alerts for This Location
National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
Near Spreckles in Monterey County
Lat/Long: 36.631071, -121.672446, Site Identification Number: 11152500
California Nevada River Forecast Center – main page and ensemble forecasts
USGS WaterAlert – Create Alerts for This Location
National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
Salinas River Lagoon in Monterey County
Lat/Long: 36.75, -121.806111
National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
Source: California Data Exchange Center – Stage Maps, additional maps are available for 1 hour ago and 2 hours ago.
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Monterey County Emergency Information Map (includes evacuations)
Alert Monterey County – Notifications and Registration page
