COLORADO FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Colorado's river systems are experiencing varied streamflow levels, with several key rivers below their normal flow rates as indicated by the percent normal figures. The North Platte River near Northgate reports a significantly reduced flow at 109 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is 40.54% below normal, potentially influencing recreational activities upstream. Conversely, areas along the South Platte River demonstrate a mix of conditions, with streamflows at Cheesman Lake 23.44% above normal, showcasing a healthier flow for water enthusiasts. However, the South Platte River near Weldona and Fort Morgan reveals a concerning drop to 31.33% and 68.63% below normal, respectively, which may impact water availability and habitat health in the region.

Particularly noteworthy is the surge in the South Platte River at Masters with an increase of 1618.75% in the last 24 hours, signaling potential flooding and hazardous conditions for nearby communities and whitewater trails; such drastic changes warrant close monitoring. Meanwhile, the Arkansas River at Parkdale, Salida, and Near Nathrop are down by 19.26%, 18.07%, and 14.92% respectively, yet the river at Avondale is 23.63% above normal, indicating localized variances within the same watershed. The Rio Grande exhibits a significant increase near Lobatos, at 167.89% above normal, which could be beneficial for rafters seeking higher flows. In contrast, the Yampa River presents lower-than-normal levels, with a 30.04% decrease at Craig, indicating a potential concern for fisheries and recreation. As river conditions across Colorado continue to fluctuate, enthusiasts and stakeholders should stay informed about current and forecasted water levels to adjust their activities and management plans accordingly.

       



Colorado's flow conditions are largely influenced by its mountainous terrain and semi-arid climate. The state's major surface flows include the Colorado, Arkansas, Platte, and Rio Grande rivers, with the Colorado River serving as the primary water source for much of the western United States. Major reservoirs and dams include the Colorado-Big Thompson Project and the Dillon Reservoir. The state's hydrology is heavily influenced by snowpack, with winter snowfall accumulating in the mountains and melting in the spring and summer months to feed downstream water sources. Climate change has had a significant impact on Colorado's hydrology in recent years, leading to decreased snowpack and earlier melting, which can exacerbate drought conditions and impact water availability.


       

Winter Storm Warnings

December 18 2025

Residents across Colorado are urged to exercise caution as multiple High Wind Warnings and Watches are in effect, with the National Weather Service reporting damaging west winds of up to 85 mph in areas including Teller County, the Rampart Range, Pikes Peak, and the Wet Mountains. Northwestern Fremont County and the counties of Sedgwick and Phillips are also under alert, with predicted gusts of 60-65 mph causing potential power outages and travel difficulties, particularly for high profile vehicles. Additionally, Red Flag and Fire Weather Watches have been issued due to low humidity and strong winds, heightening wildfire risks in Fire Weather Zones 234, 236, 237, 226, and 227. Cities such as Fort Collins, Boulder, and Denver's western suburbs face the strongest winds, raising concerns for rapid fire growth and widespread power disruptions. Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects, avoid outdoor burning, and prepare for possible power outages while staying updated on the latest weather conditions.


Rafting & Kayaking

River Run Status Streamflow (CFS) Air Temp (F)
Avalanche Down
Class III
TOO HIGH 330 65
Avon Whitewater Park
Class III
47.75
Barrel Springs
Class IV+ to V+
RUNNABLE 1380 68
Bailey Canyon
Class IV+ to V
54.18
Barrel Springs
Class IV+ to V+
RUNNABLE 1380 68
Big South
Class V to V+
RUNNABLE 34.2 66
Black Bear Hole & A-Hole
Class III-
62.02
Bogan Canyon
Class III to III+
RUNNABLE 330 65
Breckenridge Whitewater Park (Town Run)
Class II+ to III
TOO HIGH 100 61
Browns Canyon (Fisherman's Bridge to Stone Bridge)
Class III to IV-
RUNNABLE 214 60
Buena Vista Whitewater Park
Class II+ to III+
RUNNABLE 214 60
Burns to Dotsero
Class I to IV
TOO HIGH 1380 68
Carbondale to Westbank (Pink to Black)
Class II
RUNNABLE 901 66
Castle Creek
Class IV+ to V-
TOO HIGH 203 61
Catherine Store Section
Class II to II+
TOO HIGH 401 66
Cemetery
Class II+ to III+
RUNNABLE 901 66
Clear Creek of the Arkansas
Class IV+ to V-
RUNNABLE -999.00 62
Cross Mountain Gorge
Class III to V
RUNNABLE 1300 59
Crystal Mill Falls
Class V- to V
RUNNABLE 310 64
Dolores Canyon (Bradfield to Slickrock)
Class III- to III+
57.24
Dowd Chute
Class III+ to IV+
RUNNABLE 150 55
Filter Plant
Class II to III+
RUNNABLE 3.92 65
Filter Plant
Class II to III+
RUNNABLE 3.92 65
Foxton
Class III- to IV
55.99
Fractions
Class III to III+
RUNNABLE 183 57
Gateway to Dewey Bridge (Colorado River)
Class III- to IV
RUNNABLE 648 77
Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park
Class II to IV-
RUNNABLE 2290 66
Gnar Section
Class V+
TOO HIGH 405.00 77
Golden Whitewater Park
Class II+
TOO HIGH 3.92 65
Gore Canyon
Class IV to V+
TOO HIGH 552 61
Grizzly Creek to Two Rivers Park
Class II to III
RUNNABLE 1380 66
Gunnison Gorge
Class III to IV-
TOO HIGH 1030 68
Horsethief and Ruby Canyons
Class II to II+
RUNNABLE 4120 75
Idledale to Morrison
Class IV+ to V
RUNNABLE 11.20 80
Ledges
Class III
RUNNABLE 179 67
Lodore to Echo Park
Class III to III+
TOO HIGH 2600 83
Lower Blue (Green Mountain to Spring Creek)
Class II+ to III
RUNNABLE 97.6 59
Lower Blue (Green Mountain to Spring Creek)
Class II+ to III
RUNNABLE 97.6 59
Lower Blue (Green Mountain to Spring Creek)
Class II+ to III
RUNNABLE 97.6 59
Lower Blue (Green Mountain to Spring Creek)
Class II+ to III
RUNNABLE 97.6 59
Lower (Bottom Four)
Class V to V+
TOO HIGH 38.30 58
Lower Boulder Canyon
Class IV- to V-
RUNNABLE 42 78
Lower Eagle (Edwards Water Plant to Eagle)
Class III- to III+
RUNNABLE 250 60
Lower Eagle (Edwards Water Plant to Eagle)
Class III- to III+
RUNNABLE 250 60
Lower Fish Creek
Class IV+ to V
RUNNABLE 35.6 56
Lower Narrows
Class V- to V+
RUNNABLE 182.00 62
Lower North Fork
Class III
182.00 62
Lower Snake
Class III to III+
RUNNABLE 14.2 66
Lower Ten Mile
Class II to III
RUNNABLE 60.5 62
Main Section
Class IV+ to V
RUNNABLE 55.3 69
Middle Narrows
Class IV to V-
RUNNABLE 182.00 62
Middle Ten Mile
Class III+ to IV
RUNNABLE 60.5 62
Milk Run
Class II+ to III-
RUNNABLE 183 57
New Castle to Silt
Class II
RUNNABLE 2290 66
Norwood Canyon
Class III
RUNNABLE 179 67
NSV
Class V+
TOO HIGH 37.80 76
Numbers
Class III+ to IV+
RUNNABLE 183 57
October Hole
Class II
TOO HIGH 37.80 76
Oh Be Joyful
Class V
TOO HIGH 653 65
Paradox and Mesa Canyon (Bedrock to Gateway)
Class II+
RUNNABLE 648 77
Pine Creek (Granite to Numbers)
Class III+ to V-
RUNNABLE 183 57
Pumphouse
Class II- to III+
RUNNABLE 552 61
Pumphouse to Double Bridges
Class I to II-
1300 59
Riverbend (Tibbet's) to New Castle
Class II
RUNNABLE 2290 66
Riverbend (Tibbet's) to New Castle
Class II
RUNNABLE 2290 66
Riverbend to Edwards (Upper Eagle)
Class III to IV-
52.84
Royal Gorge
Class IV- to IV
RUNNABLE 258 76
Rustic (Upper)
Class III to III+
TOO HIGH 182.00 62
Salida to Rincon
Class II+ to III
RUNNABLE 183 57
Salida Town Run (Stone Bridge to Salida WW Park)
Class II to III
RUNNABLE 183 57
Salida Whitewater Park
Class III- to III+
TOO HIGH 183 57
Shoshone (Power Plant to Grizzly Creek)
Class III- to IV
RUNNABLE 1380 66
Shoshone (Power Plant to Grizzly Creek)
Class III- to IV
RUNNABLE 1380 66
Silverthorne Town Run
Class II to III-
TOO LOW 42.4 59
Slickrock to Bedrock
Class II+ to III
RUNNABLE 648 77
South Canyon to Riverbend (Tibbet's)
Class II to III
RUNNABLE 2290 66
South Canyon to Riverbend (Tibbet's)
Class II to III
RUNNABLE 2290 66
South Canyon to Riverbend (Tibbet's)
Class II to III
RUNNABLE 2290 66
South Canyon to Riverbend (Tibbet's)
Class II to III
RUNNABLE 2290 66
South Canyon to Riverbend (Tibbet's)
Class II to III
RUNNABLE 2290 66
South Mineral Creek
Class V to V+
TOO HIGH 80.7 56
Spencer Heights
Class V- to V
TOO HIGH 182.00 62
SSV - Confluence to Picnic Grounds
Class V to V+
TOO HIGH 37.80 76
State Bridge to Burns
Class I to II+
RUNNABLE 552 61
State Bridge to Two Bridges
Class I to II+
RUNNABLE 552 61
Steven's Gulch to Bridges Take Out
Class III- to IV+
RUNNABLE 182.00 62
The Upper
Class V to V+
TOO HIGH 38.30 58
Tunnel 1 to Golden Whitewater Park
Class III- to III+
RUNNABLE 60.7 76
Two Rivers to South Canyon
Class II+ to III
RUNNABLE 2290 66
Upper Blue (Blue River CG to Columbine Landing)
Class III to IV-
RUNNABLE 179.00 62
Upper Clear Creek
Class IV- to IV+
RUNNABLE 60.7 76
Upper Gore Creek
Class II+ to III
RUNNABLE 56.9 55
Upper Gore Creek
Class II+ to III
RUNNABLE 56.9 55
Upper Narrows
Class V- to V+
RUNNABLE 182.00 62
Upper North Fork
Class IV+ to V-
RUNNABLE 27.7 71
Upper South Boulder Creek
Class V+
TOO HIGH 5 77
Upper South Boulder Creek
Class V+
TOO HIGH 5 77
Upper Ten Mile
Class IV+ to V
RUNNABLE 60.5 62
Upper-Upper Ten Mile
Class III+ to IV-
TOO LOW 60.5 62
Waterfall to Confluence
Class V-
TOO HIGH 401 66
       
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