Can you swim here today?
Great Falls
Potomac, Maryland · Waterfall
Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today
Cold waterAs of October 20, 2026, the water temperature at Great Falls is 53°F (12°C), measured by USGS gauge 01646000, 1.6 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 01646000, as of Oct 20, 3:15 AM gauge-local time
- Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Oct 20 (median 20 ft³/s over 91 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Oct 20, 3:15 AM gauge-local time
Flow is normal for this date — within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Oct 20 (median 20 ft³/s over 91 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Maryland yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge DIFFICULT RUN NEAR GREAT FALLS, VA (1.6 mi away), as of Oct 20, 3:15 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.