Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake flow report

California, USA USGS #11481500 ↗

As of July 16, 2026, Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake is flowing at 7 cfs with a gage height of 1.10 ft, receding 5% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #11481500, refreshed throughout the day.

Stale data This gauge hasn’t reported in days (last reading unknown). The readings below may not reflect current conditions.
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Streamflow
--
Gage height
--
Loading current conditions…
Next 24 hours
Loading next 24 hours…
Right now · latest observation
Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake
USGS gauge #11481500
7 cfs streamflow
Latest reading from this gauge.
Gage height
1.10ft
Water temp
--
% of median
Since yesterday
↓ -6%
Loading streamflow history…
Conditions summary

Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake at a glance

How Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.

Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake is flowing at 7 cfs, with the water sitting 1.10 ft at the gage. Flow is down 5% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.

This is USGS gauge #11481500 in California. Over the past 10 days the average has been 11 cfs, peaking at 14 cfs.

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

Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake on the map Open map →
Site IDUSGS 11481500
Last updated2026-07-15
Gage height, ft1.1 ft
Streamflow, ft³/s7.39 ft3/s
Stream water level elevation above NAVD 1988, in ft868.36 ft
Max recorded5,500 cfs
Engineering & permitting

Engineering Data

Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #11481500).

P10 exceedanceexceeded 10% of days
P25 exceedanceexceeded 25% of days
P50 (median)exceeded half of days
P75 exceedanceexceeded 75% of days
P90 exceedanceexceeded 90% of days
Period of recorddaily observations
Conditions report:

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 outlook

Streamflow Forecast

Over the next 5 days, Redwood C Nr Blue Lake Ca is expected to recede from today's 8 cfs, toward roughly 7 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 4-13 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.

Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.

Loading flow outlook…
Daily forecast table
DateExpected (p50)Likely range (p25–p75)vs normalProjected stage
Work-window check: flow below 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.

Loading hourly forecast…
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
Loading detailed forecast…
Long-term outlook

15-day forecast

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

Loading 15-day outlook…
About this location

Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake

This data is used by various stakeholders like water managers, conservationists, and recreational users. The creek is fed by several tributaries and is located near a few dams, which can affect its flow. The hydrology of the creek is seasonal, with higher flows during the winter and spring months due to precipitation and snowmelt. Interestingly, the Redwood Creek watershed is home to several species of salmon and steelhead, which use the creek to spawn. Overall, the Redwood Creek stream gauge is an important tool for understanding and managing the hydrology of the region.

Regional streamflow

Nearby streamflow levels

Cross-check Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake'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 Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.

SNOTEL stationSnowpack
Eureka 0 in
Big Flat
Nohrsc Red Rock Mountain
Nearby recreation

Plan a trip

Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake.

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 Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake in the Snoflo app

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

FAQ

About Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake

Where does the streamflow data for Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake come from?

Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 11481500. 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 Redwood Creek Near Blue Lake 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.