Below we have graphs of the current Grand Canyon River flows (water levels) for the most recent 7 days at Lee’s Ferry (plus water temperature), Phantom Ranch, and Diamond Creek on the Colorado River. We also have flows and water temperature for the Little Colorado River and Havasu Creek.

You can go to the Grand Canyon Rafting page for information about booking a Grand Canyon rafting trip or check out our article about how drought affects rafting in the west.

Colorado River Flows through Grand Canyon & Glen Canyon

In the spring (March to May), the Colorado River flow typically increases to around 8,000-15,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). During the summer months (June to August), flow peaks at 12,000-20,000 cfs to meet electricity demand. As autumn (September to November) approaches, the flow decreases to 8,000-12,000 cfs as electricity demand drops. In winter (December to February), the flow drops to its lowest levels of 8,000-10,000 cfs due to lower electricity demand. These are flows below Glen Canyon at Lees Ferry. The river can be significantly higher downstream after summer time monsoon rainfall events.

This graph shows the flow at Lees Ferry, the start of Colorado River rafting trips through Grand Canyon and is the common spot to check for current Grand Canyon rafting conditions. Glen Canyon smooth water float trips end here. Scroll down to see Colorado River temperature at Lees Ferry.

Read about 2-month (scroll down to Current Operations on the linked page) and 24-month (compare acre feet released year over year) forecasted flows.

Grand Canyon River Flows at Phantom Ranch

Phantom Ranch is 90 miles downstream from Lees Ferry on the Colorado River and a place where people leave and join trips by hiking the Bright Angel Trail.

Colorado River Flows in Grand Canyon at Diamond Creek

Diamond Creek is a common take-out and put-in location.

Colorado River Temperature at Lees Ferry

The river temperature drops significantly in early December and stays between 45°F and 50°F (7°C and 10°C) until mid-March when temperatures rise to the 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C) level. In early May, temperatures start to continually rise until they peak in mid-August around 65°F (18°C). From here, temperatures stay above 60°F (16°C) until early November when they start dropping down towards 50°F (10°C). This is looking at temperatures at Lees Ferry. During summer weather, the water warms significantly as it flows downstream, particularly during monsoon season when warm rain adds significantly to the flow. It isn’t surprising for the river to be 10°F (5°C) warmer in the lower canyon.

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Little Colorado River Flows

The Little Colorado River flows into the Colorado River at mile 62.

Water Temperature: Little Colorado River

Havasu Creek Flows

At river mile 157 Havasu Creek flows into the Colorado River.

Water Temperature: Havasu Creek

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