Valley Creek Near Bessemer Flow Report
As of July 17, 2026, Valley Creek Near Bessemer is flowing at 59 cfs with a gage height of 5.81 ft, receding 60% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #02461500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Valley Creek Near Bessemer at a glance
How Valley Creek Near Bessemer is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Valley Creek Near Bessemer is flowing at 59 cfs, with the water sitting 5.81 ft at the gage. Flow is down 60% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #02461500 in Alabama. Over the past 10 days the average has been 76 cfs, peaking at 152 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Alabama flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #02461500).
Estimate flows at an ungauged site
Drainage-area ratio transfer from this gauge . Most reliable for hydrologically similar sites in the same watershed with area ratios between roughly 0.5 and 1.5.
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Valley Creek Near Bessemer is expected to recede from today's 59 cfs, toward roughly 51 cfs by 2026-07-21 (likely range 22-119 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Valley Creek Near Bessemer
It provides data on the quantity and quality of water in the creek, which is a major tributary of the Black Warrior River. The creek's watershed is urbanized and includes several dams, which can affect flow and water quality. Seasonal trends show higher flows during the winter and spring, and lower flows during the summer and fall. Interesting facts about the hydrology of Valley Creek include its role in the history of Bessemer's steel industry and its current role in recreational activities such as fishing and kayaking.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Valley Creek Near Bessemer's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Valley Creek Near Bessemer | 59 cfs |
| Shades Creek Near Greenwood Al | 85 cfs |
| Valley Creek Near Oak Grove Al | 183 cfs |
| Village Creek Near Pratt City | 55 cfs |
| Village Creek At Avenue W At Ensley | 38 cfs |
| Village Creek Near Docena | 76 cfs |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Valley Creek Near Bessemer.
Boat launches
See all →
River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track Valley Creek Near Bessemer in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Valley Creek Near Bessemer crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Valley Creek Near Bessemer
Where does the streamflow data for Valley Creek Near Bessemer come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 02461500. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when Valley Creek Near Bessemer rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free Valley Creek Near Bessemer report
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