Major Flood
25.6 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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This is an NWS forecast point (LID: MEEC1). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
24.6 ft
Minor Flood
23 ft
Action Stage
17 ft
What Floods at Each Level
27.2 ft
On 1/10/23, the 26.18 foot Flood of Record took water up to the top of the levee system at the north end of Morse Drive and Thurman Court. This levee system has since been raised to 27.2 feet.
26.18 ft
Water impacts the bottom of the M Street and G Street Bridges. Water escapes its banks at E South Bear Creek Drive between Glen Avenue and Cameron Lane.Flood of Record - 1/10/2023
24.65 ft
2nd highest crest from 4/4/2006.
24 ft
At 24 feet, the water flows towards the low point of Cooper Drive, businesses begin to flood.
23 ft
The beechwood subdivision and the trailer park along the southern end of Bear Creek Drive floods in addition to Applegate Park on the south side of Bear Creek Drive.
17 ft
Storm drains begin to back up. Street flooding occurs primarily north of Bear Creek Drive and east of M Street.
16 ft
South bike path along Bear Creek floods downstream of the G Street bridge.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 10, 2023 | 26.18 ft | 7,405 cfs |
| Apr 3, 2006 | 24.65 ft | 7,711 cfs |
| Dec 24, 1955 | 22.9 ft | 9,500 cfs |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
MEEC1
River
Bear Creek
County
Merced, CA
Coordinates
37.3092°N, 120.4456°W
Get Flood Alerts for Bear Creek
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Bear Creek at McKee Road?
The Bear Creek at McKee Road gauge is maintained by USGS and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Bear Creek at McKee Road?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Bear Creek at McKee Road is 23 feet. Action stage begins at 17 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 24.6 feet, and major flooding at 25.6 feet.
How do I get alerts when Bear Creek rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Bear Creek at McKee Road to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Bear Creek at McKee Road gauge located?
The gauge is located in Merced County, California at coordinates 37.3092°N, 120.4456°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
On This River
Downstream: San Joaquin River at Newman
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Army Corps of Engineers, Observations courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers