French Creek Above Fairburn Flow Report
As of August 4, 2026, French Creek Above Fairburn is flowing at 0 cfs with a gage height of 0.48 ft. Source: USGS gauge #06403300, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
French Creek Above Fairburn at a glance
How French Creek Above Fairburn is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
French Creek Above Fairburn is flowing at 0 cfs, with the water sitting 0.48 ft at the gage.
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.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #06403300).
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.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, French Cr Above Fairburn Sd is expected to hold near today's 0 cfs, toward roughly 0 cfs by 2026-08-08 (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.
| 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.
French Creek 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 Creek Above Fairburn's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| French Creek Above Fairburn Sd | 0 cfs |
| Grace Coolidge Creek Near Game Lodge Near Custer Sd | 0 cfs |
| Battle Creek Near Keystone Sd | 0 cfs |
| Beaver Creek Near Pringle | 5 cfs |
| Battle Creek At Hermosa Sd | 2 cfs |
| Beaver Creek Near Buffalo Gap Sd | 5 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near French Creek 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 Creek 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 Creek 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 Creek Above Fairburn crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About French Creek Above Fairburn
What is the French Creek Above Fairburn flow rate right now?
As of August 4, 2026, French Creek Above Fairburn is flowing at 0 cfs. The live value, gage height, and 24-hour trend are shown at the top of this page.
Is the French Creek Above Fairburn running high or low right now?
Check the percent of median figure on this page: above 100% means French Creek Above Fairburn 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 French Creek 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 Creek 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 Creek Above Fairburn report
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