Can you swim here today?
Bear Creek
Kentucky · River
Not today — an official hazard warning is active
Avoid todayAs of August 22, 2026, USGS gauge 03281000, 1.8 miles away, reports a streamflow of 185 ft³/s near Bear Creek but no water-temperature reading.
Not today — an official hazard warning is active: a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for Breathitt, KY; Lee, KY; Wolfe, KY.
- A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for Breathitt, KY; Lee, KY; Wolfe, KY. — NWS Jackson KY
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 03281000, as of Aug 22, 5:45 PM gauge-local time
- A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Bath, KY; Breathitt, KY; Clay, KY; Elliott, KY; Estill, KY; Floyd, KY; Jackson, KY; Johnson, KY and other areas. — NWS Jackson KY
- Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 22 (median 84 ft³/s over 64 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 22, 5:45 PM gauge-local time
Flow is normal for this date — within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 22 (median 84 ft³/s over 64 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Kentucky yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge MIDDLE FORK KENTUCKY RIVER AT TALLEGA, KY (1.8 mi away), as of Aug 22, 5:45 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.