Can you swim here today?
Big Chico Creek Day Use Area
Chico, California · Park
Cool water — ease in carefully
Use cautionAs of August 22, 2026, the water temperature at Big Chico Creek Day Use Area is 69°F (21°C), measured by USGS gauge 11390000, 12.7 miles away.
Cool water — ease in carefully: water temperature is 69°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry.
- Water temperature is 69°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry. — USGS gauge 11390000, as of Aug 22, 9:00 PM gauge-local time
- Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 23 (median 123 ft³/s over 95 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 22, 9:00 PM gauge-local time
- No official beach advisory posted (California Water Boards — FHAB Reports checked).
Flow is normal for this date — within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 23 (median 123 ft³/s over 95 years).
Official advisories
Checked against California Water Boards — FHAB Reports — no advisory posted.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge BUTTE C NR CHICO CA (12.7 mi away), as of Aug 22, 9:00 PM 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.