Gauge Description:

There is no gauge on Big Creek itself. The flow number listed above is from NF Willow Creek which does have a gauge. NF Willow is a similar sized creek, with adjacent headwaters. It seems like the two creeks should have fairly similar flow patterns. However, the two creeks have not been closely monitored or compared in the past and recent comparisons show that they can vary quite a bit from each other.  There are small upstream diversions on both creeks which also affect the natural flow patterns.  Madera Irrigation district diverts water from each creek into tributaries of the Fresno River.

Boatable flows tend to be in April and May but can occur in other months as well. See this table of Monthly mean flows; 1997-2006.    There is at present no staff gauge on Big Creek.