White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford Flow Report
As of July 17, 2026, White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford is flowing at 204 cfs with a gage height of 2.01 ft, receding 7% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #09304115, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford at a glance
How White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford is flowing at 204 cfs, with the water sitting 2.01 ft at the gage. Flow is down 7% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #09304115 in Colorado. Over the past 10 days the average has been 208 cfs, peaking at 220 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 #09304115).
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.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford is expected to rise from today's 204 cfs, toward roughly 227 cfs by 2026-07-21 (likely range 139-370 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.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
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.
White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford
The river is not impacted by any major tributaries or dams, but there are smaller creeks that contribute to its flow. The flow of the river is typically highest in the spring and early summer due to snowmelt, and decreases during the fall and winter. Interestingly, the White River is home to a rare species of fish called the Colorado pikeminnow, which can grow up to 6 feet long and live for more than 40 years.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford | 204 cfs |
| White River Above Coal Creek | 154 cfs |
| White River Near Meeker | 183 cfs |
| White River Below Meeker | 195 cfs |
| Piceance Creek At White River | 2 cfs |
| Piceance Creek Bl Ryan Gulch | 1 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford. 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 |
|---|---|
| Burro Mountain | 3 in |
| Nohrsc Burro Mountain | 2 in |
| Nohrsc Meeker 1.9 Wsw | 0 in |
| Bison Lake | 0 in |
| Bison Lake | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Ripple Creek | 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 White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford
Where does the streamflow data for White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 09304115. 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 White River Below North Elk Creek Near Buford 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.
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