2025-12-20T00:00:00-07:00
...THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR IN AND IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE FOOTHILLS, BETWEEN 5500 AND 9000 FEET, FOR BOULDER AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES ON FRIDAY... Strong west winds, sustained 45-55 mph with gusts upwards of 85- 105 mph, are expected in the foothills of Larimer, Boulder and Jefferson Counties beginning early Friday morning. Relative humidity values are expected to drop into the low teens, possibly upper single digits. While Red Flag conditions, critical fire weather, are expected across a larger area in northern Colorado, the most extreme conditions are expected to be along Highway 93 from Jefferson County into Boulder County and along US-36 north of Boulder to the Larimer County line and westward. There will be a high potential for fast moving wildfires, should any new starts occur. Winds toward I-25 and eastward will be slower to develop, and also speeds will be considerably lighter. That said, gusts of 25- 40 mph are still expected to combine with very low humidity and cured grasses to support critical fire weather conditions. Such conditions may be a longer duration than usual, with potential for low humidity to extend well into the evening hours. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 238, 240, 241, 242 and 243. * TIMING...From 10 AM this morning to midnight MST tonight. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible west of I-25, and gusts to 40 mph possible along and east of I- 25. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 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
10.28 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 | 10.28 ft | -1.63 | |||||
|
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
USGS 05483600 |
92 cfs | 4.45 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.