Red Flag Warning
2025-12-22T17:00:00-07:00

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER TODAY... .Near record temperatures today, combined with another period of gusty westerly winds in and near the Front Range foothills will lead to critical fire weather conditions, especially from the Boulder county foothills south into South Park and the Palmer Divide. The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 8 AM this morning to 5 PM MST this afternoon. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 239 and 241. * TIMING...From 8 AM this morning to 5 PM MST this afternoon. * WINDS...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 9 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.


LEON RIVER

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 5 streamgages of the Leon River


Summary

Total streamflow across the Leon River was last observed at 101 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 200 acre-ft of water today; about 157% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 64 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2025-07-14 when daily discharge volume was observed at 9,238 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Leon Rv Nr Belton reporting a streamflow rate of 29.4 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Leon Rv Nr Hamilton with a gauge stage of 4.24 ft. This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the Leon River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,230 ft, the Leon Rv Nr De Leon.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-21
Discharge Volume 200 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 100.9 cfs
+17.95 cfs (+21.64%)
Percent of Normal 156.64%
Maximum 9,237.63 cfs
2025-07-14
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Leon Rv Nr De Leon
USGS 08099100
0 cfs 1.2 ft -20
Leon Rv Nr Hasse
USGS 08099500
24 cfs 3.68 ft -4.12
Leon Rv Nr Hamilton
USGS 08100000
23 cfs 4.24 ft 13.61
Leon Rv At Gatesville
USGS 08100500
21 cfs 2.86 ft 19.88
Leon Rv Nr Belton
USGS 08102500
29 cfs 3.92 ft 57.71
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The river has played a significant role in the region's history, serving as a transportation hub for trade and migration during the 19th century. Today, the Leon River serves as a vital source of water for agricultural purposes and is home to several reservoirs and dams, including Proctor Lake and Belton Lake. These man-made structures provide flood control and water storage for the region. Additionally, the Leon River supports recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its importance to the region, the Leon River has faced challenges in recent years, including drought conditions and concerns over water quality.