As of today, peak season now, through ~June 20. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
During spring snowmelt, pulses of water run down Medano Creek and periodically release across the base of the Great Sand Dunes, producing visible surge flows and temporary streams that lap against the dunes.
The surge flow is a hydrologic phenomenon caused by sandbar formation and episodic dam release in the creek channel.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Medano Creek at Dune Base (Visitor Center Access) |
| Piñon Flats Campground / Creek Access |
| + 2 more spots, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.