Big Springs At Big Springs flow report
As of July 13, 2026, Big Springs At Big Springs is flowing at 131 cfs with a gage height of 1.25 ft. Source: USGS gauge #13040500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Big Springs At Big Springs at a glance
How Big Springs At Big Springs is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Big Springs At Big Springs is flowing at 131 cfs, with the water sitting 1.25 ft at the gage.
This is USGS gauge #13040500 in Idaho. Over the past 10 days the average has been 144 cfs, peaking at 158 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Idaho flow report.
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 Springs At Big Springs
It is a major source of water for the river and is known for its crystal-clear water and abundant fish populations. The flow of the spring is constant throughout the year, with an average flow rate of 120 cubic feet per second. The water temperature remains at a constant 52 degrees Fahrenheit. There are no specific tributaries or dams associated with the spring. The area surrounding the spring is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, elk, and bald eagles. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and camping in the area.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Big Springs At Big Springs's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Big Springs At Big Springs Id | 128 cfs |
| Henrys Fork Blw Coffee Pot Rapids Nr Macks Inn Id | 372 cfs |
| Henrys Fork Nr Lake Id | 194 cfs |
| Henrys Fork Nr Island Park Id | 1,540 cfs |
| Madison River Near West Yellowstone Mt | 315 cfs |
| Firehole River Near West Yellowstone Mt | 213 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Big Springs At Big Springs. 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 |
|---|---|
| Black Bear | 0 in |
| Black Bear | 0 in |
| White Elephant | 0 in |
| Island Park | 0 in |
| Island Park | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Madison Plateau | 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 Big Springs At Big Springs in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Big Springs At Big Springs crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Big Springs At Big Springs
Where does the streamflow data for Big Springs At Big Springs come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 13040500. 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 Springs At Big Springs 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 Springs At Big Springs report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
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- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app