Can you swim here today?
Howard Creek
Iowa · River
Live flow only — judge the water in person
Use cautionAs of August 21, 2026, USGS gauge 05412020, 6 miles away, reports a streamflow of 518 ft³/s near Howard Creek but no water-temperature reading.
Live flow only — judge the water in person: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 05412020, as of Aug 21, 7:45 PM gauge-local time
- Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 22 (median 474 ft³/s over 24 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 21, 7:45 PM gauge-local time
Flow is normal for this date — within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 22 (median 474 ft³/s over 24 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Iowa yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge Turkey River above French Hollow Cr at Elkader, IA (6 mi away), as of Aug 21, 7:45 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.