Can you swim here today?
Childress Branch
Virginia · River
Live flow only — judge the water in person
Use cautionAs of August 21, 2026, USGS gauge 02024915, 8.5 miles away, reports a streamflow of 4 ft³/s near Childress Branch but no water-temperature reading.
Live flow only — judge the water in person: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 02024915, as of Aug 21, 4:45 PM gauge-local time
- Flow is below the 25th percentile for Aug 21 (median 10 ft³/s over 23 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 21, 4:45 PM gauge-local time
- Heavy rain today can raise bacteria levels near outfalls and river mouths.
Flow is low for this date — below the 25th percentile for Aug 21 (median 10 ft³/s over 23 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Virginia yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge PEDLAR RIVER AT FOREST ROAD NEAR BUENA VISTA, VA (8.5 mi away), as of Aug 21, 4:45 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.