Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt Flow Report
As of July 26, 2026, Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt is flowing at 12 cfs with a gage height of 0.65 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #13306336, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt at a glance
How Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt is flowing at 12 cfs, with the water sitting 0.65 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #13306336 in Idaho. Over the past 10 days the average has been 16 cfs, peaking at 21 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 #13306336).
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.
Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt
It is a tributary of the Salmon River and has no major dams along its course. The creek is primarily fed by snowmelt and precipitation, with peak flows occurring in the spring and early summer. However, during the late summer and fall months, flows can be significantly lower, which can impact aquatic ecosystems. The hydrology of the Blackbird Creek is also affected by the region's geology and topography, which can lead to unique water quality characteristics. Overall, the Blackbird Creek is an important water resource in the region and serves as an indicator of the health of the surrounding ecosystems.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt | 12 cfs |
| Napias Creek Below Arnett Creek Near Leesburg | 22 cfs |
| Salmon River Near Shoup Id | 1,950 cfs |
| Middle Fork Salmon River At Mouth Near Shoup Id | 1,700 cfs |
| Salmon River At Salmon Id | 1,370 cfs |
| Lemhi River Below L5 Diversion Near Salmon | 40 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt. 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 |
|---|---|
| Morgan Creek | 0 in |
| Morgan Creek | 0 in |
| Schwartz Lake | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Schwartz Lake | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Slagamelt Lakes | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Darkhorse Lake | 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 Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt
What is the Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt flow rate right now?
As of July 26, 2026, Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt is flowing at 12 cfs. The live value, gage height, and 24-hour trend are shown at the top of this page.
Is the Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt running high or low right now?
Check the percent of median figure on this page: above 100% means Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt 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 Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 13306336. 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 Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt 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 Blackbird Creek Near Cobalt report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
- Flow alerts — get pinged the moment this river hits your range
- Save favorites — every river, lake & snowpack in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app