Big Sur River Near Big Sur flow report
As of July 13, 2026, Big Sur River Near Big Sur is flowing at 20 cfs with a gage height of 4.28 ft. Source: USGS gauge #11143000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Big Sur River Near Big Sur at a glance
How Big Sur River Near Big Sur is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Big Sur River Near Big Sur is flowing at 20 cfs, with the water sitting 4.28 ft at the gage.
This is USGS gauge #11143000 in California. Over the past 10 days the average has been 22 cfs, peaking at 24 cfs.
Over the next 5 days, Big Sur R Nr Big Sur Ca is expected to hold near today's 20 cfs, toward roughly 18 cfs by 2026-07-17 (likely range 9-37 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the California flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s Predictive Unified Learning & Simulation Engine, which learns from how this river has answered every past storm, snowmelt, and dry spell to forecast where it’s headed with a precision generic models can’t match.
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.
Big Sur River Near Big Sur
The river is fed by several small tributaries and its constituents include steelhead trout and California red-legged frogs. There are no major dams on the river. The river's flow is seasonal, with higher levels typically occurring in the winter and early spring due to rainfall. The hydrology of the Big Sur River is unique due to its location in a mountainous region with steep terrain, which can lead to flash flooding and debris flows during heavy rain events. Additionally, the river is adjacent to the rugged coastline of Big Sur, providing a picturesque setting for visitors.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Big Sur River Near Big Sur's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Big Sur R Nr Big Sur Ca | 20 cfs |
| Carmel R A Robles Del Rio Ca | 11 cfs |
| Carmel R Nr Carmel Ca | 5 cfs |
| Salinas R Nr Chualar Ca | 59 cfs |
| Arroyo Seco Nr Soledad Ca | 5 cfs |
| Arroyo Seco Bl Reliz C Nr Soledad Ca | 0 cfs |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Big Sur River Near Big Sur.
Boat launches
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River runs
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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 Big Sur River Near Big Sur in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Big Sur River Near Big Sur crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Big Sur River Near Big Sur
Where does the streamflow data for Big Sur River Near Big Sur come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 11143000. 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 Big Sur River Near Big Sur 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 Big Sur River Near Big Sur report
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