Can you swim here today?
Bear Creek
Colorado · River
Cool water — ease in carefully
Use cautionAs of August 22, 2026, the water temperature at Bear Creek is 64°F (18°C), measured by USGS gauge 09240020, 5.7 miles away.
Cool water — ease in carefully: water temperature is 64°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry.
- Water temperature is 64°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry. — USGS gauge 09240020, as of Aug 22, 11:00 AM gauge-local time
- Flow is below the 25th percentile for Aug 22 (median 112 ft³/s over 18 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 22, 11:00 AM gauge-local time
Flow is low for this date — below the 25th percentile for Aug 22 (median 112 ft³/s over 18 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Colorado yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge YAMPA RIVER BELOW SODA CREEK AT STEAMBOAT SPGS, CO (5.7 mi away), as of Aug 22, 11:00 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.