South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake flow report
As of July 15, 2026, South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake is flowing at 200 cfs with a gage height of 1.43 ft, receding 23% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #06701500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake at a glance
How South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake is flowing at 200 cfs, with the water sitting 1.43 ft at the gage. Flow is down 23% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #06701500 in Colorado. Over the past 10 days the average has been 253 cfs, peaking at 260 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Colorado flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake is expected to recede from today's 260 cfs, toward roughly 211 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 98-456 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake
The river is influenced by several tributaries, including the North Fork South Platte River and the South Fork South Platte River, as well as several dams. The river experiences seasonal fluctuations in flow, with peak flows occurring during the spring snowmelt and lower flows during the winter months. Interestingly, the Cheesman Canyon section of the river is known for its excellent fly fishing opportunities due to the high concentration of trout.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake | 200 cfs |
| South Platte River Above Cheesman Lake | 95 cfs |
| So. Platte R. Blw Brush Cr. Nr Trumbull Co | 199 cfs |
| West Cr. Abv Shrewsbury Gulch Nr Westcreek Co | 1 cfs |
| Trout Creek Blw Fern Cr Nr Westcreek | 1 cfs |
| South Platte River At South Platte | 440 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Cheesman | 0 in |
| Florissant 5.0 N | 0 in |
| Divide 4nw | 0 in |
| Strontia Springs Dam | 0 in |
| Bailey | 0 in |
| Woodland Park 1.2 Nw | 2 in |
River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake
Where does the streamflow data for South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 06701500. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake report
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