Can you swim here today?
Bear Creek
California · River
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date
Use cautionAs of August 23, 2026, the water temperature at Bear Creek is 70°F (21°C), measured by USGS gauge 11133000, 10.1 miles away.
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date: flow is above the 75th percentile for Aug 23 (median 0 ft³/s over 72 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk.
- Flow is above the 75th percentile for Aug 23 (median 0 ft³/s over 72 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 23, 9:30 AM gauge-local time
- Water temperature is 70°F, within the comfortable 70–86°F range. — USGS gauge 11133000, as of Aug 23, 9:30 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 0 ft³/s over 72 years).
Official advisories
Checked against California Water Boards — FHAB Reports — no advisory posted.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge SANTA YNEZ R A NARROWS NR LOMPOC CA (10.1 mi away), as of Aug 23, 9:30 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.