Creek Monitor & Camera

ATTENTION: The sensors at Chaucer Street and Waverley are being monitored by staff. The data shown for these locations may be incorrect when the Creek is empty because the sensor relies on water being present and it can generate faulty data when there is little or no water. We continue to monitor rain events and inspect the site as needed.

The Creek Monitor and other systems are monitored by City of Palo Alto staff when conditions warrant and staffing permits. These creek levels and other data are provided for information purposes only. Because of complex factors, including tides and soil saturation, the creek depth readings may reach high levels with little or no danger to the public.

Creek Camera

Creek Cam

 

Creek Monitor

Creek Monitor Image - Click to Refresh

 

The creek monitor graphic reflects the individual creek configurations. The number at the top of each graphic represents the approximate water depth at which water will begin to spill from the creek. Due to the presence of floodwalls and levees at the creek monitoring locations, creek levels can rise several feet above the bottom of bridges before overtopping occurs. The graphic depictions of the creeks are representative of the shape of each creek channel. It is important to note that the actual percentage of flow capacity for each creek varies non-uniformly with depth.

Creek Capacity Levels

The creek capacity levels table shows water depth for each creek monitoring point at 50% and 70% capacity.

Location  50% Capacity 70% Capacity
San Francisquito Creek at Waverly St.  16 ft. 20 ft.
San Francisquito Creek at Chaucer St. 13.2 ft. 17.9 ft.
Matadero Creek at W. Bayshore Rd. 7.6 ft. 10 ft.
Adobe Creek at E. Meadow Dr. 6.4 ft. 8.7 ft.

 

 


Important Note: These creek levels and other data are provided for information purposes only. Please refer to our Palo Alto Flood Information page for more details. If you live outside of Palo Alto/Stanford, you will need to go to the appropriate web page established for your community for further information.

The Creek Monitor and other systems are monitored by City of Palo Alto staff when conditions warrant and staffing permits. Because of complex factors, including tides and soil saturation, the creek depth readings may reach high levels with little or no danger to the public. Conversely, there may be conditions where flooding or other damage occurs even with seemingly safe level readings. Therefore, if you perceive an unsafe condition, you should not wait to be told to take action (including evacuation).