Can you swim here today?
Little Bear Creek
Colorado · River
Use caution — thunderstorms reported nearby
Use cautionAs of August 22, 2026, USGS gauge 09165000, 8.1 miles away, reports a streamflow of 20 ft³/s near Little Bear Creek but no water-temperature reading.
Use caution — thunderstorms reported nearby: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 09165000, as of Aug 22, 10:45 AM gauge-local time
- Thunderstorms are reported nearby; lightning over open water is deadly, so wait 30 minutes after the last thunder.
- Flow is below the 25th percentile for Aug 22 (median 52 ft³/s over 72 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 22, 10:45 AM gauge-local time
Flow is low for this date — below the 25th percentile for Aug 22 (median 52 ft³/s over 72 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Colorado yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge DOLORES RIVER BELOW RICO, CO. (8.1 mi away), as of Aug 22, 10:45 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.