ELKHEAD CREEK ABOVE LONG GULCH, NEAR HAYDEN, CO
USGS 09246200 · Colorado · reports discharge (live), gauge height
Reading ELKHEAD CREEK ABOVE LONG GULCH, NEAR HAYDEN, CO…
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USGS 09246200 · Colorado · reports discharge (live), gauge height
What the agencies suggest
Anglers should use a handheld thermometer to test water conditionsColorado Parks and Wildlife
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 8:15 PM MST · provisional USGS data
Above normal for Nov 5 Falling · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 9:15 PM MDT to Nov 5, 8:15 PM MST; ranging 6.98 to 31.5 ft³/s; latest 12.7 ft³/s; shaded band: typical range (25th–75th percentile) for each date.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) | Normal, 25th–75th (ft³/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 8:15 PM MST | 12.7 | 2.82 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 7:15 PM MST | 12.7 | 2.82 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 6:15 PM MST | 12.7 | 2.82 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 5:15 PM MST | 12.7 | 2.82 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 4:15 PM MST | 13.5 | 2.83 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 3:15 PM MST | 12.7 | 2.82 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 2:15 PM MST | 12.7 | 2.82 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 1:15 PM MST | 12.7 | 2.82 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 12:15 PM MST | 12.7 | 2.82 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 11:15 AM MST | 13.5 | 2.83 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 10:15 AM MST | 14.2 | 2.84 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 9:15 AM MST | 13.5 | 2.83 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 8:15 AM MST | 14.2 | 2.84 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 7:15 AM MST | 14.2 | 2.84 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 6:15 AM MST | 14.2 | 2.84 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 5:15 AM MST | 15 | 2.85 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 4:15 AM MST | 15 | 2.85 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 3:15 AM MST | 15 | 2.85 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 2:15 AM MST | 15 | 2.85 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 1:15 AM MST | 15 | 2.85 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 5, 12:15 AM MST | 15.8 | 2.86 | 5.6–11 |
| Nov 4, 11:15 PM MST | 15.8 | 2.86 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 10:15 PM MST | 15.8 | 2.86 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 9:15 PM MST | 15.8 | 2.86 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 8:15 PM MST | 15.8 | 2.86 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 7:15 PM MST | 16.7 | 2.87 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 6:15 PM MST | 16.7 | 2.87 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 5:15 PM MST | 16.7 | 2.87 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 4:15 PM MST | 16.7 | 2.87 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 3:15 PM MST | 16.7 | 2.87 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 2:15 PM MST | 15 | 2.85 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 1:15 PM MST | 15.8 | 2.86 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 12:15 PM MST | 17.5 | 2.88 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 11:15 AM MST | 17.5 | 2.88 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 10:15 AM MST | 18.5 | 2.89 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 9:15 AM MST | 19.4 | 2.9 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 8:15 AM MST | 19.4 | 2.9 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 7:15 AM MST | 20.4 | 2.91 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 6:15 AM MST | 20.4 | 2.91 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 5:15 AM MST | 20.4 | 2.91 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 4:15 AM MST | 21.4 | 2.92 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 3:15 AM MST | 21.4 | 2.92 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 2:15 AM MST | 22.5 | 2.93 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 1:15 AM MST | 22.5 | 2.93 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 4, 12:15 AM MST | 23.6 | 2.94 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 11:15 PM MST | 23.6 | 2.94 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 10:15 PM MST | 24.5 | 2.95 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 9:15 PM MST | 24.5 | 2.95 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 8:15 PM MST | 25.3 | 2.96 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 7:15 PM MST | 25.3 | 2.96 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 6:15 PM MST | 26.2 | 2.97 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 5:15 PM MST | 26.2 | 2.97 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 4:15 PM MST | 27 | 2.98 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 3:15 PM MST | 27 | 2.98 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 2:15 PM MST | 27 | 2.98 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 1:15 PM MST | 27.9 | 2.99 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 12:15 PM MST | 28.8 | 3 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 11:15 AM MST | 29.7 | 3.01 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 10:15 AM MST | 29.7 | 3.01 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 9:15 AM MST | 30.6 | 3.02 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 8:15 AM MST | 30.6 | 3.02 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 7:15 AM MST | 31.5 | 3.03 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 6:15 AM MST | 30.6 | 3.02 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 5:15 AM MST | 29.7 | 3.01 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 4:15 AM MST | 28.8 | 3 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 3:15 AM MST | 27.9 | 2.99 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 2:15 AM MST | 27.9 | 2.99 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 1:15 AM MST | 27 | 2.98 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 3, 12:15 AM MST | 26.2 | 2.97 | 5.2–10 |
| Nov 2, 11:15 PM MST | 25.3 | 2.96 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 10:15 PM MST | 25.3 | 2.96 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 9:15 PM MST | 25.3 | 2.96 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 8:15 PM MST | 24.5 | 2.95 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 7:15 PM MST | 12.7 | 2.82 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 6:15 PM MST | 12.1 | 2.81 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 5:15 PM MST | 11.4 | 2.8 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 4:15 PM MST | 10.1 | 2.78 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 3:15 PM MST | 9.55 | 2.77 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 2:15 PM MST | 9.55 | 2.77 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 1:15 PM MST | 8.99 | 2.76 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 12:15 PM MST | 9.55 | 2.77 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 11:15 AM MST | 9.55 | 2.77 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 10:15 AM MST | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 9:15 AM MST | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 8:15 AM MST | 8.45 | 2.75 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 7:15 AM MST | 8.99 | 2.76 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 6:15 AM MST | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 5:15 AM MST | 8.99 | 2.76 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 4:15 AM MST | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 3:15 AM MST | 8.45 | 2.75 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 2:15 AM MST | 8.45 | 2.75 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 1:15 AM MST | 8.45 | 2.75 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 2, 12:15 AM MST | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.5–11 |
| Nov 1, 11:15 PM MST | 7.94 | 2.74 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 10:15 PM MST | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 9:15 PM MST | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 8:15 PM MST | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 7:15 PM MST | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 6:15 PM MST | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 5:15 PM MST | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 4:15 PM MST | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 3:15 PM MST | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 2:15 PM MST | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 1:15 PM MST | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 12:15 PM MST | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 11:15 AM MST | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 10:15 AM MST | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 9:15 AM MST | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 8:15 AM MST | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 7:15 AM MST | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 6:15 AM MST | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 5:15 AM MST | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 4:15 AM MST | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 3:15 AM MST | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 2:15 AM MST | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 1:15 AM MST | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 1:15 AM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Nov 1, 12:15 AM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.8–11 |
| Oct 31, 11:15 PM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 10:15 PM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 9:15 PM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 8:15 PM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 7:15 PM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 6:15 PM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 5:15 PM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 4:15 PM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 3:15 PM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 2:15 PM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 1:15 PM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 12:15 PM MDT | 6.98 | 2.72 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 11:15 AM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 10:15 AM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 9:15 AM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 8:15 AM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 7:15 AM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 6:15 AM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 5:15 AM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 4:15 AM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 3:15 AM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 2:15 AM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 1:15 AM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 31, 12:15 AM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 4.6–12 |
| Oct 30, 11:15 PM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 10:15 PM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 9:15 PM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 8:15 PM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 7:15 PM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 6:15 PM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 5:15 PM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 4:15 PM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 3:15 PM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 2:15 PM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 1:15 PM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 12:15 PM MDT | 7.45 | 2.73 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 11:15 AM MDT | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 10:15 AM MDT | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 9:15 AM MDT | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 8:15 AM MDT | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 7:15 AM MDT | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 6:15 AM MDT | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 5:15 AM MDT | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 4:15 AM MDT | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 3:15 AM MDT | 8.45 | 2.75 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 2:15 AM MDT | 8.45 | 2.75 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 1:15 AM MDT | 8.45 | 2.75 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 30, 12:15 AM MDT | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.4–11 |
| Oct 29, 11:15 PM MDT | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.4–10 |
| Oct 29, 10:15 PM MDT | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.4–10 |
| Oct 29, 9:15 PM MDT | 7.94 | 2.74 | 5.4–10 |
Map of USGS gauge 09246200 and the river around it
Where ELKHEAD CREEK ABOVE LONG GULCH, NEAR HAYDEN, CO sits, with 1 other gauge on the same river.
No current water-temperature reading at this gauge, so no temperature guidance is given. Take a stream thermometer: the trout lines Colorado Parks and Wildlife uses are 71°F.
Species list not on file for this gauge. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Colorado fish stocking report · Colorado fishing rules and regulations.
Normal for Nov 5: 5.6–11 ft³/s (middle half of 31 years of record). Now: 12.7 ft³/s, above normal.
Above normal for this date. 12.7 ft³/s is between the 75th and 90th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 31 years of record (1996–2026): 10th 4.1, 25th 5.6, median 7.7, 75th 11, 90th 14 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 2.84 ft³/s, highest 31 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Falling over 24 hours: discharge down 19.6%, from 15.8 to 12.7 ft³/s. Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 2.82 ft stage, 13 ft³/s at Nov 5, 7:15 PM MST (NWS gauge ELHC2; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
NWS river forecast forecast issued Nov 5, 9:17 AM MST. Highest point: 2.85 ft, 15 ft³/s on Nov 6, 5:00 AM MST (Below NWS action stage).
| Day | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 5 | 2.84 ft | 14 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 6 | 2.85 ft | 15 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 7 | 2.79 ft | 11 ft³/s |
| Sun, Nov 8 | 2.76 ft | 9 ft³/s |
| Mon, Nov 9 | 2.78 ft | 10 ft³/s |
| Tue, Nov 10 | 2.77 ft | 10 ft³/s |
| Wed, Nov 11 | 2.72 ft | 7 ft³/s |
| Thu, Nov 12 | 2.71 ft | 7 ft³/s |
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
Checked Nov 5, 8:44 PM MST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.