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.
San Francisco River at Clifton Water Level
Live river level, flow, historical records and forecast for San Francisco River at Clifton in AZ, United States, built from official government gauge data.
- Location AZ, United States
- Watershed san francisco
- Primary gauge 09444500 (USGS)
About San Francisco River at Clifton
San Francisco River - A vital waterway in Arizona.
The San Francisco River at Clifton provides an essential source of water in the arid environment of Arizona. This river, part of a watershed that encompasses approximately 2,766 square miles, connects with various other streams and rivers, contributing to the region's hydrology. Notable peers include the Blue River near Clifton and the San Francisco River above Stone Creek near Luna, creating a network of waterways that support both the ecology and human activities in the area.
The watershed context
The San Francisco watershed is characterized by its dramatic seasonal variations. During the summer, monsoon thunderstorms can lead to sudden and violent flash floods, while the winter months often see runoff from high-country snowmelt. These events can transform the flow dynamics of the San Francisco River, sometimes resulting in channels running dry during periods of low precipitation. The interplay between these seasonal factors plays a critical role in the river's ecological health and water availability for local communities.
Why the data matters here
Monitoring the San Francisco River through the USGS gauge offers vital insights into its flow and seasonal rhythms. By comparing today’s river level to the median for this calendar day, users can better assess current conditions in the context of historical data spanning over 50 years. This measurement is more informative than a raw elevation reading alone; knowing the river's status relative to its historical norms helps inform local agriculture, flood management, and recreational activities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for those relying on the San Francisco River’s resources.
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
