Nibi Metrics
Real-time water levels, forecasts, and alerts for lakes and rivers across Canada and the US. Built on official government data.
Nibi Metrics turns raw gauge readings from official hydrometric networks into something a person standing on a dock can actually use: is the water high or low for today, which way is it moving, and how unusual is this? This page explains where every number on the platform comes from and what we do to it along the way.
Water Stories
For five years, spring 2019 was the mark every Lake Muskoka decision answered to. In April 2026 the lake went two centimeters higher - and the official books have not caught up yet.
Inside the freshet cycle that puts Manitoba shorelines at risk each year - and why 2026 broke the script.
The science of snow water equivalent and why it drives the season ahead.
What the numbers on the measuring stick actually tell you.
Why Central and South Texas rivers go from gravel beds to fifty-year records in an afternoon - including July 2026 on the Nueces.
One percent, every year, forever - unwrapping hydrology's most misunderstood phrase, and how it differs from our own percentiles.
Firebreak Canal at Havasu Nwr near Needles Water Level
Live river level, flow, historical records and forecast for Firebreak Canal at Havasu Nwr near Needles in AZ, United States, built from official government gauge data.
- Location AZ, United States
- Watershed havasu mohave lakes
- Primary gauge 09423560 (USGS)
About Firebreak Canal at Havasu Nwr near Needles
Firebreak Canal - A crucial channel in the Havasu-Mohave Lakes watershed.
Located near Needles, Arizona, the Firebreak Canal plays an essential role in the local hydrology, linking various water bodies within the Havasu-Mohave Lakes watershed. This canal is notably influenced by the arid conditions of the Southwest, where dramatic weather events shape its flow patterns.
The watershed context
The Firebreak Canal is part of the broader Havasu-Mohave Lakes watershed, an area that includes significant nearby water sources like Lake Havasu and Lake Mohave. The southern Nevada's and Arizona's hot, dry climate leads to fluctuations in water levels due to seasonal monsoon thunderstorms, which can cause violent flash floods during summer months. Conversely, winter storms and snowmelt from higher elevations contribute to the larger rivers in this region, providing seasonal relief and refilling the canals.
In the typical cycle of this area, water flow can be inconsistent, with many channels running dry between significant rain events. This makes the measurements from the Firebreak Canal important for understanding the overall water availability and hydrological responses in the watershed.
Why the data matters here
Today's reading from the Firebreak Canal at Havasu Nwr is significant as it reflects conditions over the past eight years of recorded data. This information, provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), allows us to compare current levels against the historical median for this date, which is crucial for gauging water availability in this dynamic environment. By analyzing these figures, stakeholders such as local farmers and water resource managers can make informed decisions in response to current conditions, particularly given the potential for rapid changes in flow due to weather events characteristic of this region.
How this page is built
Readings come from official government gauges and are rolled into daily records: the daily mean, high and low for every day on record. Each calendar day gets its own baseline from the full history, so the level you see is compared against what this specific date usually looks like rather than an annual average.
How Nibi Metrics works · Water stories
