Threshold 1 · 5.5 ft (442 cfs)
4.42 ft above the current reading
Creek is flashy and fed primarily with storm drains and pump stations.
Valley Water, threshold 1 description for Lower Penitencia Creek at Machado Ave
Lower Penitencia Creek at Machado Ave
Reading 1.08 ft and 1.23 cfs. That is 4.42 feet below the first flood threshold.
- Stream gauge
1.08 ft
Captured July 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM PT
- Sensor ID 5100_1
- 37.4218, -121.9070
- Included in Valley Water's flood watch
- Reporting
What Floods at Each Level
These descriptions are Valley Water's own, quoted exactly as published for this gauge.
Threshold 2 · 7.5 ft (756 cfs)
6.42 ft above the current reading
Overtopping just south of Great Mall Parkway on the east bank, flooding South Abel Street. Possible localized flooding from urban flooding.
Valley Water, threshold 2 description for Lower Penitencia Creek at Machado Ave
Threshold 3 · 8 ft (835 cfs)
6.92 ft above the current reading
Spills occur around S Abel Street, flowing westward along West Capitol Avenue toward I-880 and ponding in the neighborhoods.
Valley Water, threshold 3 description for Lower Penitencia Creek at Machado Ave
Places This Gauge Covers
Streets and landmarks named in the threshold descriptions above.
Sensor Notes
Original sensor was moved from Milmont Avenue due to tidal influence in 2016. High flow only sensor from 15cfs+.
Valley Water, sensor notes for Lower Penitencia Creek at Machado Ave