How do the Tanana and White rivers contribute to the Yukon River’s total water flow?

The Tanana and White rivers are significant contributors to the Yukon River’s hydrology. Together, these two tributaries account for nearly 30 percent of the Yukon River’s total water flow, despite representing only about 20 percent of its total drainage area.1

The Tanana River, which serves as the main southern tributary in Alaska, is fed by snowmelt and glaciers from the Alaska Range. Its flow typically peaks in July before the river becomes a shallow stream by late summer. The White River similarly draws its water from glaciers and mountains, specifically the north slopes of the St. Elias Mountains, and contributes significant amounts of silt to the Yukon River.21