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.
Summary
Total streamflow across the
Fourche Lafave River
was last observed at
52
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
104
acre-ft of water today; about 49%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
107 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2025-01-31 when daily discharge volume was observed at
37,800 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Fourche Lafave River Near Gravelly
reporting a streamflow rate of 52.2 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Fourche Lafave River Near Aplin
with a gauge stage of 5.23 ft.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Fourche Lafave River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 420 ft, the
Fourche Lafave River Near Gravelly.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-19 |
| Discharge Volume | 104 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
52.2 cfs
-2.5 cfs (-4.57%) |
| Percent of Normal | 48.58% |
| Maximum |
37,800.0 cfs
2025-01-31 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fourche Lafave River Near Gravelly
USGS 07261500 |
52 cfs | 1.42 ft | -4.57 | |||||
|
Fourche Lafave River Near Aplin
USGS 07263012 |
30 cfs | 5.23 ft | -18.85 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
It stretches for 147 miles and is named after the French words for fork and beans. The river's hydrology includes many tributaries that contribute to the overall flow of the river, which is utilized for irrigation systems in the agricultural industry. The Nimrod Dam and Reservoir are located on the river, which provides hydroelectric power, flood control, and recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The Fourche Lafave River has been heavily impacted by human activity, including industrial pollution and urban development, and efforts are being made to restore and protect its ecological health.