Bay Creek At Pittsfield flow report
As of July 15, 2026, Bay Creek At Pittsfield is flowing at 38 cfs with a gage height of 2.36 ft, receding 67% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05512500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Bay Creek At Pittsfield at a glance
How Bay Creek At Pittsfield is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Bay Creek At Pittsfield is flowing at 38 cfs, with the water sitting 2.36 ft at the gage. Flow is down 67% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #05512500 in Illinois. Over the past 10 days the average has been 27 cfs, peaking at 130 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Illinois 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.
Bay Creek At Pittsfield
The primary constituents of the creek are rainwater and snowmelt, which can vary depending on the season. There are no major dams or tributaries that directly impact the flow of Bay Creek. However, the creek is known to experience flooding during heavy rain events. Interestingly, the creek was once an important source of transportation for early settlers in the area, who used it to transport goods to nearby towns. Today, it is primarily used for recreational activities such as fishing and kayaking.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Bay Creek At Pittsfield's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Bay Creek At Pittsfield | 43 cfs |
| Illinois River At Valley City | 46,800 cfs |
| La Moine River At Ripley | 341 cfs |
| Spencer Cr. Bl Plum Cr. Nr Frankford | 0 cfs |
| Salt River Near New London | 3,800 cfs |
| Bear Creek At Hannibal | 54 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Bay Creek At Pittsfield. 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 |
|---|---|
| Lock & Dam 24 | 0 in |
| Bowling Green | 0 in |
| Jacksonville 2 | 0 in |
| Jacksonville | 0 in |
| Augusta | 0 in |
| Cap Au Gris Lock & Dam 25 | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Bay Creek At Pittsfield.
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 Bay Creek At Pittsfield in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Bay Creek At Pittsfield crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Bay Creek At Pittsfield
Where does the streamflow data for Bay Creek At Pittsfield come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05512500. 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 Bay Creek At Pittsfield 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 Bay Creek At Pittsfield 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
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- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app