Red Flag Warning
2025-12-20T00:00:00-07:00

...THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR IN AND IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE FOOTHILLS, BETWEEN 5500 AND 9000 FEET, FOR BOULDER AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES ON FRIDAY... Strong west winds, sustained 45-55 mph with gusts upwards of 85- 105 mph, are expected in the foothills of Larimer, Boulder and Jefferson Counties beginning early Friday morning. Relative humidity values are expected to drop into the low teens, possibly upper single digits. While Red Flag conditions, critical fire weather, are expected across a larger area in northern Colorado, the most extreme conditions are expected to be along Highway 93 from Jefferson County into Boulder County and along US-36 north of Boulder to the Larimer County line and westward. There will be a high potential for fast moving wildfires, should any new starts occur. Winds toward I-25 and eastward will be slower to develop, and also speeds will be considerably lighter. That said, gusts of 25- 40 mph are still expected to combine with very low humidity and cured grasses to support critical fire weather conditions. Such conditions may be a longer duration than usual, with potential for low humidity to extend well into the evening hours. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 238, 240, 241, 242 and 243. * TIMING...From 10 AM this morning to midnight MST tonight. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible west of I-25, and gusts to 40 mph possible along and east of I- 25. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.


Deschutes River River Levels

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

The Deschutes River is a major tributary to the Columbia River, running over 250 miles from its source in the Cascade Mountains to the Columbia River Gorge.


Summary

Total streamflow across the Deschutes River was last observed at 18,590 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 36,873 acre-ft of water today; about 170% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 10,956 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-04-10 when daily discharge volume was observed at 35,060 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Deschutes River Near Madras reporting a streamflow rate of 7,210 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Deschutes River At E St Bridge At Tumwater with a gauge stage of 28.61 ft. This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the Deschutes River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,951 ft, the Deschutes River Near Culver.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-19
Discharge Volume 36,873 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 18,590.0 cfs
+2200.0 cfs (+13.42%)
Percent of Normal 169.68%
Maximum 35,060.0 cfs
2019-04-10
Seasonal Avg 10,956 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
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Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Deschutes River Near Culver
USGS 14076500 		1370 cfs 4.25 ft 3.79
Deschutes River Near Madras
USGS 14092500 		7210 cfs 3.98 ft 52.11
Deschutes River Near Rainier
USGS 12079000 		2460 cfs 8.1 ft 50.92
Deschutes River At Moody
USGS 14103000 		6000 cfs 3.43 ft 5.45
Deschutes River At E St Bridge At Tumwater
USGS 12080010 		1550 cfs 28.61 ft -48.5
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
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Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Deschutes River in central Oregon is a major tributary of the Columbia River. The river provides much of the drainage on the eastern side of the Cascade Range in Oregon, gathering many of the tributaries that descend from the drier, eastern flank of the mountains. The Deschutes provided an important route to and from the Columbia for Native Americans for thousands of years, and then in the 19th century for pioneers on the Oregon Trail. The river flows mostly through rugged and arid country, and its valley provides a cultural heart for central Oregon. Today the river supplies water for irrigation and is popular in the summer for whitewater rafting and fishing.
The river flows generally north, as do several other large Oregon tributaries of the Columbia River, including the Willamette and John Day.

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River Runs