USGS Streamgage 12470500
Rocky Ford Creek near Ephrata, WA
Rocky Ford Creek near Ephrata, WA is USGS streamgage 12470500 in Washington, monitoring river discharge in hydrologic subbasin 17020015. It drains a watershed of about 458 square miles. Discharge records at this site go back to 1942. Typical flow runs near 79.9 cfs in July and 57.8 cfs in April, with the higher of the two arriving in July.
Gauge details
- State
- Washington
- Drainage area
- 458 sq mi
- Gauge elevation
- 1,073 ft
- Subbasin (HUC-8)
- 17020015
- Coordinates
- 47.31264, -119.44559
- USGS site number
- 12470500
- Records begin
- 1942-08-01 (84 years)
Typical flow by month
Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 50 years of data), averaged within each month. These describe the historical normal range — they are not a forecast and not today's reading.
| Month | Low p10 | Typical p50 | High p90 | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44.8 | 60.6 | 77.8 | |
| February | 40.2 | 55.9 | 80.1 | |
| March | 38 | 54.9 | 89.4 | |
| April | 39.1 | 57.8 | 118.4 | |
| May | 45.1 | 65 | 127.8 | |
| June | 51.5 | 73.8 | 119.5 | |
| July | 51.5 | 79.9 | 112 | |
| August | 56.8 | 84.8 | 107.8 | |
| September | 57.6 | 87.3 | 104.2 | |
| October | 54.4 | 83.4 | 99.8 | |
| November | 53.7 | 77.7 | 94.2 | |
| December | 49.6 | 69.8 | 85.6 |
All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Common questions
- When does Rocky Ford Creek near Ephrata, WA normally run highest?
- September, on the long-term record. The median daily flow that month is about 87.3 cfs, against 54.9 cfs in March, the lowest month. These are historical normals for the date, not a forecast and not today's reading.
- What is a normal flow for Rocky Ford Creek near Ephrata, WA?
- It depends on the month. In January, half of days historically fall near 60.6 cfs, with the middle 80% of days between 44.8 and 77.8 cfs. The month-by-month table on this page gives the full range.
- How long has Rocky Ford Creek near Ephrata, WA been measured?
- Discharge records at USGS site 12470500 begin in 1942, about 84 years. The long record is what makes the monthly percentiles on this page meaningful.
- Where is Rocky Ford Creek near Ephrata, WA?
- The gauge sits at 47.31264, -119.44559, in Washington, in hydrologic subbasin 17020015, at an elevation of about 1,073 feet, draining roughly 458 square miles.
- Can I use Rocky Ford Creek near Ephrata, WA data for flood or safety decisions?
- No. Rivermatics provides estimates, not guarantees, and the readings and forecasts here may be delayed, inaccurate, or wrong. Do not use them for navigation or for any safety, rescue, or emergency decision. Check the National Weather Service and USGS directly, and use your own judgment.