2026-03-05T18:00:00-07:00
The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect Thursday afternoon. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 241, 245, 246 and 247. * TIMING...Thursday afternoon. * WINDS...South 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 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
185
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
366
acre-ft of water today; about 16%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
1,146 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 Aplin
reporting a streamflow rate of 99 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Fourche Lafave River, with a gauge stage of
5.58 ft at this location.
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.
15-Day Weather Outlook
River Details
| Last Updated | 2026-03-03 |
| Discharge Volume | 366 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
184.7 cfs
-158.6 cfs (-46.2%) |
| Percent of Normal | 16.11% |
| 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 |
86 cfs | 1.66 ft | -10.07 | |||||
|
Fourche Lafave River Near Aplin
USGS 07263012 |
99 cfs | 5.58 ft | -60.08 |
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.