Dark Canyon at Carlsbad
Critical Stages
9' - Action
15' - Flood
18' - Moderate
22' - Major
Latest Observation
Updated: 1:15 PM MST 12/16/25
Status: No Flooding
Stage: 3.37 ft
Flow: -999 kcfs
Forecast
Forecast not available for this location.
| Time | Stage (ft) | Flow (kcfs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1:15 PM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 1:00 PM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 12:45 PM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 12:30 PM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 12:15 PM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 12:00 PM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 11:45 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 11:30 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 10:15 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 10:00 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 9:45 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 9:30 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 9:15 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 9:00 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 8:45 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 8:30 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 8:15 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 8:00 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 7:45 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 7:30 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 7:15 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 7:00 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 6:45 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 6:30 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 6:15 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 6:00 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 5:45 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 5:30 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 5:15 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
| 5:00 AM 12/16 | 3.37 | -999 |
22' -
the canyon reaches major flood stage, and begins flooding residences and businesses in the vicinity of Canal Street and Dark Canyon Draw in Carlsbad begins. U.S. Highway 285 (Canal Street) is likely to flood, and numerous other city streets will be inundated.
18' -
the canyon reaches moderate flood stage. A few residences and businesses nearest to the bank near the U.S. Highway 285 bridge (Canal Street) in Carlsbad begin to flood.
15' -
the canyon reaches minor flood stage, with banks near capacity near the U.S. Highway 285 bridge in Carlsbad. Water is likely to reach the railroad bridge just downstream from the highway bridge. Water should remain under the highway bridge, but numerous city and outlying roads will flood, primarily upstream. Individuals near the Canal Street bridge should be alert to rising water under the bridge.
9' -
the canyon reaches bankfull, and banks will begin to overflow about 1 mile upstream from the U.S. Highway 285 bridge around San Jose Blvd and Fiesta Drive in Carlsbad. Several secondary roads and a few city streets will likely flood and become impassable.
| Date | Stage (ft) |
|---|---|
| Aug 23, 1966 | 22 |
| Sep 22, 2014 | 21.62 |
| Apr 4, 2004 | 20.45 |
| Jun 29, 2021 | 19.26 |
| Sep 12, 2013 | 17.85 |
| Sep 22, 2014 | 15.02 |
| Jun 24, 1986 | 12.53 |
| Sep 26, 1980 | 12.1 |
| Oct 23, 1974 | 10.8 |
| Aug 10, 1984 | 10.56 |
| Sep 25, 1978 | 9.82 |
| Sep 24, 1974 | 6.18 |
Data provided by the National Weather Service.