Nelson Creek Near Van Norman flow report
As of July 16, 2026, Nelson Creek Near Van Norman is flowing at 0 cfs with a gage height of 2.33 ft. Source: USGS gauge #06131200, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman at a glance
How Nelson Creek Near Van Norman is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman is flowing at 0 cfs, with the water sitting 2.33 ft at the gage.
This is USGS gauge #06131200 in Montana. Over the past 10 days the average has been 1 cfs, peaking at 4 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Montana flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #06131200).
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, Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt is expected to recede from today's 0 cfs, toward roughly 0 cfs by 2026-07-21 (likely range 0-2 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
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.
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman
The creek is fed by snowmelt and rainfall, and the flow is affected by the seasons. The creek does not have any major tributaries or dams, but there are smaller streams that flow into it. The hydrology of Nelson Creek is interesting because it runs through a variety of landscapes, including forests and farmland. The area around the creek is also home to a variety of wildlife, including trout and other fish. Overall, the Nelson Creek stream gauge provides important data about the health of the creek and the surrounding ecosystem.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Nelson Creek Near Van Norman's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt | 0 cfs |
| Redwater River At Circle Mt | 0 cfs |
| Milk River At Nashua Mt | 346 cfs |
| Missouri River Near Wolf Point Mt | 7,450 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Nelson Creek Near Van Norman. 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 |
|---|---|
| Circle | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Nelson Creek Near Van Norman.
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 Nelson Creek Near Van Norman in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Nelson Creek Near Van Norman crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Nelson Creek Near Van Norman
Where does the streamflow data for Nelson Creek Near Van Norman come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 06131200. 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 Nelson Creek Near Van Norman 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 Nelson Creek Near Van Norman report
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