Can you swim here today?
West Branch Buffalo Creek
Iowa · River
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date
Use cautionAs of August 23, 2026, USGS gauge 05421000, 9.7 miles away, reports a streamflow of 704 ft³/s near West Branch Buffalo Creek but no water-temperature reading.
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 05421000, as of Aug 23, 7:30 AM gauge-local time
- Flow is above the 75th percentile for Aug 23 (median 175 ft³/s over 92 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 23, 7:30 AM gauge-local time
Flow is high for this date — above the 75th percentile for Aug 23 (median 175 ft³/s over 92 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Iowa yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge Wapsipinicon River at Independence, IA (9.7 mi away), as of Aug 23, 7:30 AM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.