Little Colorado River Near Joseph City flow report

Arizona, USA USGS #09397300 ↗

As of July 13, 2026, Little Colorado River Near Joseph City is flowing at 504 cfs with a gage height of 0.63 ft, receding 81% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #09397300, refreshed throughout the day.

Stale data This gauge hasn’t reported in days (last reading unknown). The readings below may not reflect current conditions.
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Right now · latest observation
Little Colorado River Near Joseph City
USGS gauge #09397300
504 cfs streamflow
Latest reading from this gauge.
Gage height
0.63ft
Water temp
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% of median
Since yesterday
↓ -81%
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Conditions summary

Little Colorado River Near Joseph City at a glance

How Little Colorado River Near Joseph City is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.

Little Colorado River Near Joseph City is flowing at 504 cfs, with the water sitting 0.63 ft at the gage. Flow is down 81% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.

This is USGS gauge #09397300 in Arizona.

For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Arizona flow report.

Little Colorado River Near Joseph City on the map Open map →
Site IDUSGS 09397300
DCP battery voltage, V12.5 volts
Gage height, ft0.63 ft
Streamflow, ft3/s504.0 ft3/s
Max recorded6,020 cfs
Historical context

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.

Detailed forecast

Weather Forecast

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day forecast

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.

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About this location

Little Colorado River Near Joseph City

The river's constituents include snowmelt, rain, and groundwater. The river has several tributaries, including the Silver Creek and the Puerco River. The potential dams on the river include the proposed Little Colorado River Storage Project. The river flow is highly seasonal, with peak flows occurring during the monsoon season (July-September) and low flows during the drier months. The hydrology of the river is affected by the region's semi-arid climate, which results in high evaporation rates and occasional flash floods. Interestingly, the river's water is known for its blue-green color, which is caused by high levels of dissolved calcium carbonate.

Regional streamflow

Nearby streamflow levels

Cross-check Little Colorado River Near Joseph City's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.

Regional snowpack

Nearby snowpack data

Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Little Colorado River Near Joseph City. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.

SNOTEL stationSnowpack
Show Low 6.5 Wnw 0 in
Nohrsc Show Low 3.8 W 0 in
Heber 1 in
Nearby recreation

Plan a trip

Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Little Colorado River Near Joseph City.

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 Little Colorado River Near Joseph City in the Snoflo app

Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Little Colorado River Near Joseph City crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.

FAQ

About Little Colorado River Near Joseph City

Where does the streamflow data for Little Colorado River Near Joseph City come from?

Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 09397300. 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 Little Colorado River Near Joseph City 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.