LITTLE SNAKE RIVER

December 3, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

Total streamflow across the Little Snake River was last observed at 95 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 187 acre-ft of water today; about 57% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 166 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2011-06-09 when daily discharge volume was observed at 13,530 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Little Snake River Near Dixon reporting a streamflow rate of 59.7 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Little Snake River Near Slater with a gauge stage of 3.68 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Little Snake River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 6,843 ft, the Little Snake River Near Slater.

The Little Snake River is a 155-mile-long river that flows through Wyoming and Colorado in the United States. The river gets its name from the rocky terrain, which resembles a snake's body. It is a tributary of the Yampa River, and the watershed for the river covers about 1,500 square miles. The river is known for its excellent trout fishing and beautiful scenery. There are two main reservoirs along the river: the Stagecoach Reservoir and the Yamcolo Reservoir. These reservoirs provide water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The Little Snake River Valley is also home to several ranches, and agriculture is an essential part of the local economy. The river is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, including anglers, hikers, and hunters. The Little Snake River is rich in history, and the region was once home to several Native American tribes, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute.

Last Updated 2024-11-25
Discharge Volume 187 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 94.5 cfs
-30.5 cfs (-24.4%)
Percent of Normal 57.09%
Maximum 13,530.0 cfs
2011-06-09
Seasonal Avg 166 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Little Snake River Near Slater
USGS 09253000
58 cfs 3.68 ft -21.32
Little Snake River Near Dixon
USGS 09257000
60 cfs 2.92 ft -32.39
Little Snake River Near Lily
USGS 09260000
48 cfs 1.34 ft -6.41
History of the River

The Little Snake River is a tributary of the Yampa River, approximately 155 miles (249 km) long, in southwestern Wyoming and northwestern Colorado in the United States.
It rises near the continental divide, in Routt National Forest in northern Routt County, Colorado, along the northern edge of the Park Range. It flows west along the Wyoming-Colorado state line, meandering across the border several times and flowing past the Wyoming towns of Dixon and Baggs. It turns southwest and flows through Moffat County, Colorado, joining the Yampa approximately 45 mi (72 km) west of Craig, just east of Dinosaur National Monument. The Little Snake is not generally navigable except seasonally in years of plentiful water.

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