Big Otter River Near Bedford flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Big Otter River Near Bedford is flowing at 53 cfs. Source: USGS gauge #02061000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Big Otter River Near Bedford at a glance
How Big Otter River Near Bedford is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Big Otter River Near Bedford is flowing at 53 cfs, with the water sitting ft at the gage.
This is USGS gauge #02061000 in Virginia. Over the past 10 days the average has been 53 cfs, peaking at 53 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Virginia 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.
Big Otter River Near Bedford
The river is fed by various tributaries such as Little Otter Creek and Goose Creek, among others. The Lynchburg Dam controls the water levels upstream, affecting the flow downstream. The hydrology of the river is affected by seasonal variations with higher flows during wet seasons and lower flows during dry seasons. Interestingly, the river is home to various fish species such as smallmouth bass and sunfish, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Overall, the river plays a significant role in the ecology and economy of the region.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Big Otter River Near Bedford's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Big Otter River Near Bedford | 53 cfs |
| Big Otter River Near Evington | 71 cfs |
| James River At Holcomb Rock | 935 cfs |
| Goose Creek Near Huddleston | 47 cfs |
| James River At Buchanan | 1,390 cfs |
| Roanoke River At Altavista | 513 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Big Otter River Near Bedford. 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 |
|---|---|
| Radio Stn Wblt | 0 in |
| Big Island | 0 in |
| Huddleston 4 Sw | 0 in |
| Glasgow 1 Se | 0 in |
| Buena Vista | 0 in |
| Concord 4 Ssw | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Big Otter River Near Bedford.
Boat launches
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River runs
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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 Big Otter River Near Bedford in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Big Otter River Near Bedford crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Big Otter River Near Bedford
Where does the streamflow data for Big Otter River Near Bedford come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 02061000. 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 Big Otter River Near Bedford 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 Big Otter River Near Bedford 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
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