Lightning Creek At Clark Fork flow report
As of July 15, 2026, Lightning Creek At Clark Fork is flowing at 35 cfs with a gage height of 9.07 ft. Source: USGS gauge #12392155, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Lightning Creek At Clark Fork at a glance
How Lightning Creek At Clark Fork is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Lightning Creek At Clark Fork is flowing at 35 cfs, with the water sitting 9.07 ft at the gage.
This is USGS gauge #12392155 in Idaho. Over the past 10 days the average has been 39 cfs, peaking at 53 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Idaho flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #12392155).
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, Lightning Creek At Clark Fork Id is expected to recede from today's 35 cfs, toward roughly 29 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 8-107 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.
Lightning Creek At Clark Fork
The creek is fed by snowmelt and precipitation, and its flow is affected by seasonal trends. In the summer, the flow tends to decrease, while in the winter, it tends to increase due to snowmelt. The hydrology of the creek is also impacted by nearby dams, such as the Cabinet Gorge Dam, which can alter the flow of water. Additionally, the creek is home to a variety of wildlife, including trout and salmon.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Lightning Creek At Clark Fork's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Lightning Creek At Clark Fork Id | 35 cfs |
| Clark Fork River Below Cabinet Gorge Dam Id | 13,100 cfs |
| Pack River Nr Colburn Id | 610 cfs |
| Yaak River Near Troy Mt | 231 cfs |
| Nf Coeur D Alene R Ab Shoshone Ck Nr Prichard Id | 97 cfs |
| Kootenai River At Leonia Id | 10,100 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Lightning Creek At Clark Fork. 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 |
|---|---|
| Mosquito Ridge | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Mosquito Ridge | 0 in |
| Heron 2nw | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Bear Mountain | 1 in |
| Bear Mountain | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Noxon 4.2 Wnw | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Lightning Creek At Clark Fork.
Boat launches
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River runs
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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 Lightning Creek At Clark Fork in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Lightning Creek At Clark Fork crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Lightning Creek At Clark Fork
Where does the streamflow data for Lightning Creek At Clark Fork come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 12392155. 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 Lightning Creek At Clark Fork 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 Lightning Creek At Clark Fork report
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