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 The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.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.
Summary
Total streamflow across the
Middle Raccoon River
was last observed at
121
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
240
acre-ft of water today; about 144%
of normal.
River levels are high.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
84 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2025-06-24 when daily discharge volume was observed at
3,367 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard
reporting a streamflow rate of 121 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Middle Raccoon River, with a gauge stage of
10.46 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Middle Raccoon River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,054 ft, the
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-03 |
| Discharge Volume | 240 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
121.0 cfs
-2.0 cfs (-1.63%) |
| Percent of Normal | 143.96% |
| Maximum |
3,367.0 cfs
2025-06-24 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard
USGS 05483450 |
121 cfs | 10.46 ft | -1.63 | |||||
|
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
USGS 05483600 |
92 cfs | 4.71 ft | 11.15 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
It has played a significant role in the history of Iowa, serving as a source of water for irrigation, transportation, and industry. The river flows through several counties, including Carroll, Dallas, and Guthrie. The hydrology of the Middle Raccoon River is influenced by several dams and reservoirs, such as the Saylorville Reservoir and the Red Rock Reservoir. These structures help regulate the river's flow, provide flood control, and support recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The river also supports agricultural activities, including crop irrigation and livestock watering. Despite facing challenges such as pollution and habitat loss, the Middle Raccoon River remains an important natural resource for the state of Iowa.