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This short National Park Service video reveals the creek's attraction, and explains mysterious 'surge flow'! Length: 70 seconds Current and Forecast Conditionsas of May 20, 2024 Refresh this page for the latest information. Current Conditions
Check Up-To-The-Minute Flow See the current flow and trend of Medano Creek as a graph. (Available spring through fall). The creek's flow on this graph is measured where it emerges from the forest and first enters the dunefield, not where it spreads out across the sand 5 miles downstream. This measurement gives an indication of the current flow relative to average peak flow. Peak flow in an average year is 40 cubic feet per second (cfs), typically occurring in late May or early June. 2024 Forecast FlowMedano Creek's depth and duration are directly linked to snowpack. With recent heavy snows, snowpack above the dunes is now above average. Flow is forecast to be above average in depth and duration. With recent chilly temperatures and late snows, peak flow may be in early June instead of late May. Creek Conditions to Expect Each MonthSee also overall conditions to expect at Great Sand Dunes each month of the year. AprilWhile April is the second snowiest month of the year on average, there can also be warmer, sunny days that begin to melt the snowpack. Medano Creek arrived at the Dunes Parking Area April 21, at first just a trickle. By the end of April, it was about 2 inches (5 cm) deep with minimal surge flow. MayFlow increases through May, and late May is near the peak of Medano Creek's annual flow. While it is still springtime and winds may arise, especially in the afternoon, May temperatures are generally moderate, with highs in the 60s-70s F. However, snow is still possible at this elevation in May! Trees and bushes along the creek leaf out. There are some "no-see-ums" (tiny biting gnats), but mosquitoes are rarely out in May. JuneJune brings warmer temperatures for water play and generally pleasant conditions the first week of June. Late May and early June are the best opportunity to experience "surge flow", where waves flow down across the sand. If some channels are deep enough at peak flow in higher flow years, children may be able to float short distances on flat inflatable toys. If the creek spreads out over a larger area, channels will be shallow. JulyIn July, unless there are significant ongoing rains, the creek will be retreating back toward the mountains and will be dried up at the main visitor area near the Dunes Parking Lot. It may continue to gently flow at at 1-2 inches deep (2-5 cm) along the eastern edge of the dunefield, near the Castle Creek Picnic Area. Castle Creek is accessible by high clearance 4WD vehicle on the Medano Pass Primitive Road. Visitors without 4WD may also access the creek in late summer by hiking 1-3 miles (3-5 km) up the creekbed from the Dunes Parking Lot, or 0.7-1.5 miles (1-2.5 km) from the Point of No Return parking area. Mosquitoes are typically still present in large numbers around the low, warm water the first 2-3 weeks of July, but begin to disappear as the water continues to retreat farther back toward the mountains. July is the warmest month at the park, with average highs in the low 80s F. August and SeptemberIn late summer and fall, the creek is still completely gone from the main visitor area near the Dunes Parking Lot. It may continue to gently flow at at 1-2 inches deep (2-5 cm) along the eastern edge of the dunefield, near the Castle Creek Picnic Area. Castle Creek is accessible by high clearance 4WD vehicle on the Medano Pass Primitive Road. Visitors without 4WD may also access the creek in late summer by hiking 1-3 miles (3-5 km) up the creekbed from the Dunes Parking Lot, or 0.7-1.5 miles (1-2.5 km) from the Point of No Return parking area. Mosquitoes are typically gone in August and September. WeatherWeather forecasts and information for Great Sand Dunes are available on the park's weather page. Also learn what Conditions to Expect Each Month at the park.
How do you pronounce 'Medano'?Médano is a Spanish word that means "sand dune". It is pronounced "MED-ah-no". In the original Spanish there is an accent on the é.
Medano Creek ActivitiesDepending 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. |
Last updated: May 20, 2024