NPS Photo by Patrick Myers

Children in Medano Creek during this year's peak flow on May 19, 2009. This mountain stream is a popular natural beach environment for all ages when it flows around the Great Sand Dunes.

Current Medano Creek Conditions

Updated July 3, 2009

Medano Creek peaked this year on May 20 at 37 cfs (cubic feet per second), just above average peak flow. As of July 3, flow is averaging 4 cfs, or approximately 1/9 of peak flow.

At the main day use area, Medano Creek is now 1/2" to 1" (1-2cm) deep, and varies from approximately 15 feet (5m) to 20 feet (7m) wide. Surge flow is no longer visible. Creek flow is normally highest in early morning, and lowest at dusk.

Summer Tip: As the creek water gets low in June and July, mosquitoes emerge near streamside bushes and trees. To avoid them, walk upstream away from vegetated areas. 

See the current cubic feet per second (cfs) flow of Medano Creek. This current flow chart is shown as a graph over the past month. Peak flow for an average season is about 35 cfs (cubic feet per second). 

Flow Forecast: Creek flow is diminishing quickly. At the current rate of decrease, the creekbed may be dry at the main parking area by mid-July. Afternoon thunderstorms sometimes make the creek higher for a few hours. 

The Current Water Year Graph for Medano Pass shows the level of buildup and release of the snowpack for Medano Creek. It compares the current year with the previous year and an average of the past 10 years, showing how Medano Creek is flowing as compared with previous years. 

The Colorado current snowpack map has information on snowpack conditions statewide, including Medano Pass, the watershed of Medano Creek. This map shows up-to-date results of satellite-linked snow measuring devices located in watersheds throughout Colorado. The Medano Pass site is represented on the map as the middle of the three triangles northeast of Alamosa. It is lower in elevation than other sites, so melts out sooner each spring than other sites. When averaged with two other snowtel sites in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the results for 2009 indicated approximately average snowpack for Medano Creek.

Call the Visitor Center at 719-378-6399 for more details and any daily changes. 

NPS Photo by Patrick Myers

A child prepares to "catch a wave" in Medano Creek.

General Information about Medano Creek 

In an average year, Medano (pronounced "MED-ah-no"; in the original Spanish the accent is on the 'MED') Creek begins to trickle down from snowmelt in April. It typically peaks in mid-to-late May, with surges or waves up to about 10" (17cm) high. Creek flow is highest at dawn, and lowest at dusk. Unless there are significant ongoing summer rains, the creek will retreat back toward the mountains by early July. The creek will usually continue to gently flow along the eastern edge of the dunefield, near the Castle Creek picnic area, through the fall months. Castle Creek picnic area is accessible by high clearance 4WD vehicle. Visitors may also access the creek in late summer by hiking approximately 2 miles (3.5 km) up the creekbed from the Dunes Parking Lot, or approximately 0.7 miles (1km) from the Point of No Return parking area. 

Photo courtesy Nathan Salley. Used by permission.

Two skimboarders try their sport on Medano Creek.

Medano Creek Activities

Depending on water level, visitors may do any non-motorized and non-mechanized activities in the creek, including splashing, surfing, wading, skimboarding, floating (works only in small raft or tube with a child at peak runoff), sand castle building, and sand sculpting. 

To protect this riparian habitat, please do not disturb living plants or animals, and keep water resources clean.