Lost Canyon Creek Near Dolores Flow Report
As of July 16, 2026, Lost Canyon Creek Near Dolores is flowing at 0 cfs with a gage height of 2.15 ft. Source: USGS gauge #09166950, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #09166950).
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.
Lost Canyon Creek Near Dolores
The creek's primary flow provider is snowmelt, with some additional contributions from rain. The stream is not impacted by any significant dams, but it does have some small tributaries that may affect its flow. Seasonal trends indicate that the creek's flow is highest during spring and early summer, with lower levels in the fall and winter. Interestingly, the creek's name comes from the fact that it disappears underground at times, only to reemerge further downstream. Overall, Lost Canyon Creek is a relatively unremarkable but still important part of the local hydrology.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Lost Canyon Creek Near Dolores's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Lost Canyon Creek Near Dolores | 0 cfs |
| Dolores River At Dolores | 109 cfs |
| Mud Creek At State Highway 32 | 11 cfs |
| Mcelmo Creek Above Trail Canyon Near Cortez | 23 cfs |
| La Plata River At Hesperus | 5 cfs |
| Dolores River Below Rico | 20 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Lost Canyon Creek Near Dolores. 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 |
|---|---|
| Mancos 3.8 Wnw | 0 in |
| Cortez Coop & Upper Colorado Site | 5 in |
| Mancos | — |
| Mancos | 0 in |
| Sharkstooth | 1 in |
| Sharkstooth | 1 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 Lost Canyon Creek Near Dolores in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Lost Canyon Creek Near Dolores crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Lost Canyon Creek Near Dolores
Where does the streamflow data for Lost Canyon Creek Near Dolores come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 09166950. 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 Lost Canyon Creek Near Dolores 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 Lost Canyon Creek Near Dolores report
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