COLORADO FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Colorado's river systems are experiencing a mix of below-average and above-average streamflows as of the latest data, painting a complex picture for water enthusiasts. For instance, the North Platte River near Northgate and the South Platte River across multiple locations, including South Platte and Denver, are running at significantly lower rates than normal, with the North Platte showing a 73.1% decrease from the usual flow. Contrastingly, the Arkansas River near Salida and Arkansas River At Granite are flowing close to their seasonal norms, which suggests stability in parts of the watershed. Notably, the Moffat Water Tunnel at East Portal and the Cache La Poudre River near Fort Collins are registering streamflows exceedingly above average, at 774.8% and 186.56% of normal, respectively, indicating potential flood risks in these areas.

Whitewater enthusiasts should take note of the Eagle River near Minturn and the Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs, which are running at 79.42% and 32.9% above normal respectively, offering potentially exciting conditions. Conversely, the Rio Grande near Del Norte and above Wagon Wheel Gap is also exhibiting high streamflows, with current levels at 138.49% and 175.77% of normal, which could impact conditions on popular whitewater trails. Whitewater conditions can be swift and challenging with the current gage height at Wagon Wheel Gap at 2.1 feet and the Rio Grande at Del Norte at 2.03 feet. Caution is advised as these conditions may also affect surrounding towns and cities by altering water availability and recreational safety. With varying streamflows across the state, river users are encouraged to stay updated on local conditions and advisories and exercise caution while enjoying Colorado's rivers.

       




       

Winter Storm Warnings

March 26 2026

Colorado residents are urged to exercise extreme caution due to multiple Red Flag Warnings issued across the state, signaling critical fire weather conditions. Areas including Fire Weather Zones 214, 200, 202, 220 through 237, and 013 through 042, encompassing regions south of Interstate 70 and below 8000 feet, are particularly at risk. With forecasts predicting low humidity levels as minimal as 7 percent and strong northwest winds reaching up to 45 mph, conditions are ripe for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly. Cities and towns near these zones, such as Cheyenne, Kit Carson, and portions of the Colorado Front Range, should remain vigilant, avoid outdoor burning, and report any signs of fire to authorities immediately.


Rafting & Kayaking

River Run Status Streamflow (CFS) Air Temp (F)
TOO HIGH 330 65
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
62.02
Bogan Canyon
Class III to III+
RUNNABLE 330 65
TOO HIGH 100 61
RUNNABLE 214 60
RUNNABLE 214 60
Burns to Dotsero
Class I to IV
TOO HIGH 1380 68
RUNNABLE 901 66
Castle Creek
Class IV+ to V-
TOO HIGH 203 61
TOO HIGH 401 66
Cemetery
Class II+ to III+
RUNNABLE 901 66
RUNNABLE -999.00 62
Cross Mountain Gorge
Class III to V
RUNNABLE 1300 59
Crystal Mill Falls
Class V- to V
RUNNABLE 310 64
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
RUNNABLE 648 77
RUNNABLE 2290 66
TOO HIGH 405.00 77
TOO HIGH 3.92 65
Gore Canyon
Class IV to V+
TOO HIGH 552 61
RUNNABLE 1380 66
Gunnison Gorge
Class III to IV-
TOO HIGH 1030 68
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
RUNNABLE 97.6 59
RUNNABLE 97.6 59
RUNNABLE 97.6 59
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
RUNNABLE 250 60
RUNNABLE 250 60
Lower Fish Creek
Class IV+ to V
RUNNABLE 35.6 56
Lower Narrows
Class V- to V+
RUNNABLE 182.00 62
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
RUNNABLE 2290 66
RUNNABLE 179 67
NSV
Class V+
TOO HIGH 37.80 76
Numbers
Class III+ to IV+
RUNNABLE 183 57
TOO HIGH 37.80 76
TOO HIGH 653 65
RUNNABLE 648 77
RUNNABLE 183 57
Pumphouse
Class II- to III+
RUNNABLE 552 61
1300 59
RUNNABLE 2290 66
RUNNABLE 2290 66
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
RUNNABLE 183 57
Salida Whitewater Park
Class III- to III+
TOO HIGH 183 57
RUNNABLE 1380 66
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
RUNNABLE 2290 66
RUNNABLE 2290 66
RUNNABLE 2290 66
RUNNABLE 2290 66
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
TOO HIGH 37.80 76
RUNNABLE 552 61
RUNNABLE 552 61
RUNNABLE 182.00 62
The Upper
Class V to V+
TOO HIGH 38.30 58
RUNNABLE 60.7 76
RUNNABLE 2290 66
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
TOO HIGH 5 77
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
TOO HIGH 401 66