COLORADO FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Streamflow conditions across Colorado's river systems show significant variability, with some rivers experiencing below-normal flows while others are at or above normal levels. The North Platte River near Northgate is running low at 109 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is about 40% below its normal flow, potentially affecting recreational activities in the area. Conversely, the South Platte River above Cheesman Lake is flowing at a healthier 143 cfs, around 23% above normal. The South Platte's tributaries show mixed conditions, with the river at Denver slightly below normal, while further downstream at Fort Lupton, flow levels are near expected with a current streamflow of 298 cfs. Notably, the Arkansas River near Avondale is above normal at 361 cfs, and whitewater enthusiasts may find favorable conditions here.

Extreme streamflow changes have been observed in some locations. The Rio Grande near Lobatos is significantly higher at 294 cfs, nearly 168% of its normal flow, raising concerns about potential flooding in the surrounding regions. In stark contrast, the Gunnison River below the Gunnison Tunnel is flowing well below its usual pace at 352 cfs, which is roughly 49% below normal. This could impact water-related activities around the Gunnison and lower Uncompahgre valleys. The Colorado River basin also shows discrepancies, with the river near Dotsero flowing at 688 cfs, 16% above normal, while near the Colorado-Utah state line, streamflow is down to 1830 cfs, about 34% below normal, likely affecting river conditions for boating and fishing downstream. Finally, the Yampa River, with key whitewater sections, is experiencing reduced flows, as seen at Deerlodge Park, where the flow is 384 cfs, just 0.35% above normal. This variance in streamflow data is crucial for river users who rely on these waters for recreational, ecological, and economic purposes, and it suggests the need for continued monitoring and adaptive water management strategies in the state.

       



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

January 2 2026

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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