HUERFANO RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
January 14, 2025
38.14, -104.35


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Huerfano River was last observed at 97 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 192 acre-ft of water today; about 123% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 79 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2015-10-01 when daily discharge volume was observed at 1,703 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Huerfano River At Badito reporting a streamflow rate of 60.70 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Huerfano River Near Boone with a gauge stage of 4.23 ft. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Huerfano River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 8,202 ft, the Huerfano R At Manzanares Xing.

The Huerfano River is a tributary of the Arkansas River, located in south-central Colorado. The river is approximately 70 miles long and has a drainage area of 1,470 square miles. Historically, the river was used by Native American tribes for hunting and fishing. In the early 20th century, the river was dammed to provide irrigation for agriculture. The Huerfano River Watershed Project was established in 1965 to address erosion and water quality issues. Specific reservoirs and dams on the river include Huerfano Lake, Huerfano Valley, and the Huerfano-Cucharas Project. The river supports recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and camping. It is also used for agriculture, providing irrigation for crops such as alfalfa, corn, and wheat.

Last Updated 2025-01-14
Discharge Volume 192 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 96.9 cfs
+11.4 cfs (+13.33%)
Percent of Normal 123.15%
Maximum 1,703.0 cfs
2015-10-01
Seasonal Avg 79 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Huerfano R At Manzanares Xing
USGS 07111000
36 cfs 3.85 ft -2.95
Huerfano River At Badito
USGS 07112500
61 cfs 2.24 ft 25.93
Huerfano R Bl Huerf Valy Dam Nr Undercliffe
USGS 07116000
0 cfs 0.00 ft
Huerfano River Near Boone
USGS 07116500
7 cfs 4.23 ft 36.76
History of the River

Huerfano River is a 113-mile-long (182 km) tributary of the Arkansas River that flows from a source on Blanca Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Colorado. It joins the Arkansas in Pueblo County just south of the town of Boone. One major tributary is the Cucharas River.
The Huerfano River was named after the nearby Huerfano Butte. Huerfano is derived from a Spanish name meaning "orphan", so named from the butte's remote location.

       

Get Unparalelled Insights

Explore the 3D Map


Weather Forecast