First Creek Above 96th Ave Flow Report
As of July 26, 2026, First Creek Above 96th Ave is flowing at 1 cfs. Source: USGS gauge #06720480, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
First Creek Above 96th Ave at a glance
How First Creek Above 96th Ave is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
First Creek Above 96th Ave is flowing at 1 cfs, with the water sitting ft at the gage.
This is USGS gauge #06720480 in Colorado. Over the past 10 days the average has been 1 cfs, peaking at 1 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Colorado flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #06720480).
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.
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.
First Creek Above 96th Ave
The South Platte River is fed by several tributaries, including the Cache la Poudre and Big Thompson Rivers. The gauge also monitors the water flow through local dams, including the Barr Lake Dam. Seasonal trends show that the river experiences high flow rates in the spring and low flow rates in the fall. Interesting hydrological facts include the river's role in providing water to several cities in Colorado, including Denver, and its impact on local agriculture. The gauge's data is important for water management and conservation efforts in the region.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check First Creek Above 96th Ave's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| First Creek Above 96th Ave | 1 cfs |
| South Platte River At Henderson | 157 cfs |
| First Creek Bel Buckley Rd | 1 cfs |
| Clear Creek At Mouth | 26 cfs |
| Sand Creek Above Burlington Ditch Near Commerce City | 8 cfs |
| South Platte River At 64th Ave. Commerce City | 247 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near First Creek Above 96th Ave. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Thornton 2.3 Sse | 0 in |
| Denver/Stapleton | 0 in |
| Thornton 2.1 N | 0 in |
| Aurora 4.2 Nnw | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Brighton 2.1 Nnw | 0 in |
| Westminster 1.6 Ne | 0 in |
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 First Creek Above 96th Ave in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when First Creek Above 96th Ave crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About First Creek Above 96th Ave
What is the First Creek Above 96th Ave flow rate right now?
As of July 26, 2026, First Creek Above 96th Ave is flowing at 1 cfs. The live value, gage height, and 24-hour trend are shown at the top of this page.
Is the First Creek Above 96th Ave running high or low right now?
Check the percent of median figure on this page: above 100% means First Creek Above 96th Ave is running higher than normal for the date, below 100% means lower. The 24-hour trend shows whether it's rising or falling.
Where does the streamflow data for First Creek Above 96th Ave come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 06720480. 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 First Creek Above 96th Ave 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 First Creek Above 96th Ave report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
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