2 USGS Streamgages
Birch Creek flows and levels
Birch Creek is gauged at 2 USGS streamgages in Idaho, each tracked by Rivermatics. The mainstem runs about 53 miles (86 km) from headwaters to outlet. Drainage area at the gauges ranges from 381 square miles at Birch Creek at Blue Dome Inn near Reno, ID up to 400 at Birch Creek at Eight-Mile Canyon Rd near Reno, ID.
Gauges on this river, upstream to downstream
Ordered by drainage area, which is how far down the river each gauge sits. April and July figures are long-term median daily flows for that month from the USGS record — historical normals, not a forecast and not today's reading.
| Gauge | State | Drainage sq mi | Elevation ft | April p50 cfs | July p50 cfs | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birch Creek at Blue Dome Inn near Reno, ID | ID | 381 | — | 85.1 | 65.8 | — |
| Birch Creek at Eight-Mile Canyon Rd near Reno, ID | ID | 400 | — | 70.8 | 44.5 | — |
Typical flow by month at Birch Creek at Eight-Mile Canyon Rd near Reno, ID
The furthest-downstream gauge on this river, so the fullest flow it carries here. Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 21 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 | — | 70.6 | — | |
| February | — | 69.2 | — | |
| March | — | 71.7 | — | |
| April | 0 | 70.8 | 76 | |
| May | 45.1 | 56.1 | 70.9 | |
| June | 39.9 | 46.1 | 56.8 | |
| July | 36.9 | 44.5 | 58.7 | |
| August | 37.9 | 45.8 | 56.6 | |
| September | 39.5 | 47.9 | 56.5 | |
| October | 37 | 58.6 | 64 | |
| November | — | 66.8 | — | |
| December | — | 68 | — |
All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Common questions
- When does the Birch Creek run highest?
- March, on the long-term record at Birch Creek at Eight-Mile Canyon Rd near Reno, ID — the furthest-downstream gauge Rivermatics tracks on this river. Median daily flow there is about 71.7 cfs that month, against 44.5 cfs in July, the lowest. Upstream gauges peak on their own schedule; the table on this page gives April and July for each.
- How many gauges are on the Birch Creek?
- Rivermatics tracks 2 USGS streamgages on the Birch Creek, across Idaho. Each has its own page with the site's full flow record and monthly normals. The river may carry other gauges that publish neither daily values nor discharge statistics; those are not tracked here.
- Can I use Birch Creek 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.