Water Canyon Creek Near Preston Flow Report
As of July 26, 2026, Water Canyon Creek Near Preston is flowing at 1 cfs. Source: USGS gauge #09415515, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Water Canyon Creek Near Preston at a glance
How Water Canyon Creek Near Preston is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Water Canyon Creek Near Preston is flowing at 1 cfs, with the water sitting 4.26 ft at the gage.
This is USGS gauge #09415515 in Nevada. Over the past 10 days the average has been 1 cfs, peaking at 1 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Nevada flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #09415515).
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.
Water Canyon Creek Near Preston
The main constituents of the flow are snowmelt and precipitation. The creek does not have any specific dams or tributaries, but it does have seasonal trends in flow. During the spring, flow tends to increase due to snowmelt, while summer months see a decrease in flow. Interesting facts about the creek include the presence of a popular hiking trail that follows the creek and a nearby natural hot spring. The hydrology of Water Canyon Creek is important for monitoring local water resources and ensuring sustainable management practices.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Water Canyon Creek Near Preston's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Water Canyon Creek Near Preston Nv | 1 cfs |
| Preston Big Spring Near Preston Nv | 7 cfs |
| Steptoe Creek Near Ely | 3 cfs |
| Cleve Creek Near Ely | 5 cfs |
| Lehman Creek Near Baker | 4 cfs |
| Big Spring Near Duckwater | 14 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Water Canyon Creek Near Preston. 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 |
|---|---|
| 14k09 - Defiance Mines | 0 in |
| Defiance Mines | 0 in |
| Ward Mountain | 0 in |
| Ward Mountain | 0 in |
| Ely Snow 18z | 0 in |
| Cave Mtn Nwr Wxl69 | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Water Canyon Creek Near Preston.
Boat launches
See all →
River runs
See all →
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 Water Canyon Creek Near Preston in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Water Canyon Creek Near Preston crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Water Canyon Creek Near Preston
What is the Water Canyon Creek Near Preston flow rate right now?
As of July 26, 2026, Water Canyon Creek Near Preston is flowing at 1 cfs. The live value, gage height, and 24-hour trend are shown at the top of this page.
Is the Water Canyon Creek Near Preston running high or low right now?
Check the percent of median figure on this page: above 100% means Water Canyon Creek Near Preston 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 Water Canyon Creek Near Preston come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 09415515. 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 Water Canyon Creek Near Preston 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 Water Canyon Creek Near Preston 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