Deadwood Creek At Central City flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Deadwood Creek At Central City is flowing at 1 cfs, rising 11% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #06436165, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Deadwood Creek At Central City at a glance
How Deadwood Creek At Central City is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Deadwood Creek At Central City is flowing at 1 cfs, with the water sitting 3.58 ft at the gage. Flow is up 11% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #06436165 in South Dakota. 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 South Dakota 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.
Deadwood Creek At Central City
The flow is primarily provided by snowmelt and precipitation. There are no significant tributaries or dams that contribute to the flow. The stream experiences seasonal fluctuations with the highest flow occurring in the spring due to snowmelt, and the lowest flow in the fall and winter months. Interestingly, the creek has been known to freeze over completely in the winter months. Overall, the hydrology of Deadwood Creek is relatively simple, but its importance lies in its role in the local watershed and potential impacts on downstream water resources.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Deadwood Creek At Central City's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Deadwood Creek At Central City | 1 cfs |
| Bear Butte Creek Near Deadwood | 1 cfs |
| Annie Creek Near Lead | 0 cfs |
| Spearfish Creek Near Lead | 17 cfs |
| Whitewood Cr Above Whitewood | 5 cfs |
| Little Spearfish Creek Near Lead | 15 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Deadwood Creek At Central City. 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 |
|---|---|
| Spearfish-10mi.Se | 0 in |
| Lead 5.5 Ssw | 0 in |
| North Rapid Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc North Rapid Creek (Snotel) | 0 in |
| Fort Meade | 0 in |
| Sturgis 7e South Dakota Mesonet | 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 Deadwood Creek At Central City in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Deadwood Creek At Central City crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Deadwood Creek At Central City
Where does the streamflow data for Deadwood Creek At Central City come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 06436165. 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 Deadwood Creek At Central City 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 Deadwood Creek At Central City report
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