I believe that the current depth and width are fairly consistant with the wartime conditions, perhaps a bit wider and deeper today due to erosion. There had been showers on the morning of July 17, 1863 but it does not appear to have affected the levels of Elk Creek. None of the commanders or troops involved mentioned any difficulty crossing the creek at any of the numerous crossings.

Michael Manning
Chief Ranger
Fort Doneslson National Battlefield, TN
National Park Service