Can you swim here today?
West Fork Bear Creek
California · River
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date
Use cautionAs of August 23, 2026, USGS gauge 10263500, 10.7 miles away, reports a streamflow of 14 ft³/s near West Fork Bear Creek but no water-temperature reading.
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 10263500, as of Aug 23, 7:15 AM gauge-local time
- Flow is above the 75th percentile for Aug 23 (median 5 ft³/s over 103 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 23, 7:15 AM gauge-local time
- No official beach advisory posted (California Water Boards — FHAB Reports checked).
Flow is high for this date — above the 75th percentile for Aug 23 (median 5 ft³/s over 103 years).
Official advisories
Checked against California Water Boards — FHAB Reports — no advisory posted.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge BIG ROCK C NR VALYERMO CA (10.7 mi away), as of Aug 23, 7:15 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.