French Cr Above Fairburn flow report
As of July 15, 2026, French Cr Above Fairburn is flowing at 1 cfs with a gage height of 0.53 ft, receding 20% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #06403300, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
French Cr Above Fairburn at a glance
How French Cr Above Fairburn is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
French Cr Above Fairburn is flowing at 1 cfs, with the water sitting 0.53 ft at the gage. Flow is down 20% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #06403300 in South Dakota. Over the past 10 days the average has been 1 cfs, peaking at 2 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.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, French Cr Above Fairburn Sd is expected to recede from today's 1 cfs, toward roughly 1 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 0-2 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
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.
French Cr Above Fairburn
The main constituents contributing to the flow are snowmelt and precipitation. There are no major dams or tributaries along the stretch of the streamgauge. Seasonal trends show that flow is highest during the spring and early summer months and decreases during the fall and winter. Interestingly, French Creek is home to a variety of fish species, including trout and catfish, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Overall, the streamgauge provides important data for monitoring the health of the waterway and its surrounding ecosystem.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check French Cr Above Fairburn's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| French Cr Above Fairburn Sd | 1 cfs |
| Grace Coolidge Cr Nr Game Lodge Nr Custer Sd | 0 cfs |
| Battle Cr Near Keystone Sd | 0 cfs |
| Beaver Creek Near Pringle | 5 cfs |
| Battle Cr At Hermosa Sd | 2 cfs |
| Beaver Cr Near Buffalo Gap Sd | 257 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near French Cr Above Fairburn. 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 |
|---|---|
| Custer | 0 in |
| Hill City | 0 in |
| Hot Springs | 0 in |
| Custer 21.4 W | 0 in |
| Nohrsc North Rapid Creek (Snotel) | 0 in |
| North Rapid Creek | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of French Cr Above Fairburn.
Boat launches
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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 French Cr Above Fairburn in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when French Cr Above Fairburn crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About French Cr Above Fairburn
Where does the streamflow data for French Cr Above Fairburn come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 06403300. 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 French Cr Above Fairburn 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 French Cr Above Fairburn report
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