2026-03-12T21:00:00-06:00
The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 11 AM to 8 PM MDT Friday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248 and 249. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 9 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from 11 AM to 8 PM MDT Friday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * WINDS...On Thursday, west 30 to 60 mph with gusts up to 90 mph, strongest winds near the Cheyenne Ridge. On Friday, west winds 25 to 35 with gusts around 35 to 50 mph. On Saturday, west winds 25 to 35 with gusts around 40 to 60 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
Middle Oconee River
was last observed at
778
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
1,543
acre-ft of water today; about 83%
of normal.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
939 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2024-01-11 when daily discharge volume was observed at
15,680 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Middle Oconee River Near Athens
reporting a streamflow rate of 413 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Middle Oconee River Near Arcade
with a gauge stage of 3.85 ft.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Middle Oconee River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 692 ft, the
Middle Oconee River Near Arcade.
15-Day Weather Outlook
River Details
| Last Updated | 2026-03-12 |
| Discharge Volume | 1,543 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
778.0 cfs
-226.0 cfs (-22.51%) |
| Percent of Normal | 82.85% |
| Maximum |
15,680.0 cfs
2024-01-11 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Middle Oconee River Near Arcade
USGS 02217475 |
365 cfs | 3.85 ft | -20.31 | |||||
|
Middle Oconee River Near Athens
USGS 02217500 |
413 cfs | 1.74 ft | -24.36 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
It is a major tributary of the Oconee River and serves as a vital source of water for the region. The river has a rich history, dating back to the pre-colonial era when it was used for transportation and fishing by Native American tribes. Today, the river is home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Bear Creek Reservoir and the Barnett Shoals Dam, which provide hydroelectric power and drinking water for the surrounding communities. The Middle Oconee River is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The river and its surrounding watershed also play a significant role in agriculture, supporting crops such as cotton, peanuts, and soybeans.