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Can you swim here today?

Cotton Creek

Oregon · River

Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today

Cold water

As of August 23, 2026, the water temperature at Cotton Creek is 53°F (12°C), measured by USGS gauge 14187200, 2.5 miles away.

Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today: water temperature is 53°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion.

  • Water temperature is 53°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion. USGS gauge 14187200, as of Aug 23, 1:00 PM gauge-local time
  • Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 23 (median 793 ft³/s over 52 years). USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 23, 1:00 PM gauge-local time
Water temp
53°F
12°C
Streamflow
833 ft³/s
discharge
Gage height
10.10 ft
water level

Flow is normal for this date — within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 23 (median 793 ft³/s over 52 years).

No official beach-advisory feed for Oregon yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.

Live, provisional data from USGS gauge SOUTH SANTIAM RIVER NEAR FOSTER, OR (2.5 mi away), as of Aug 23, 1:00 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.