2026-02-16T18:00:00-07:00
...PROLONGED PERIOD OF CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EARLY TO MID NEXT WEEK... .Recent dry conditions combining with above normal temperatures and much stronger winds early next week will bring potentially critical fire weather conditions Monday and Tuesday, possibly lasting into Wednesday. There is potential for extreme fire weather conditions on Tuesday as widespread strong and gusty winds to around 60 mph are expected. The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Monday morning through Monday afternoon. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 216, 240, 241, 244, 245, 246, 247 and 249. * TIMING...For the first Fire Weather Watch, from late Monday morning through Monday afternoon. For the second Fire Weather Watch, from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph on Monday. On Tuesday, west winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts around 60 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 11 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. There is potential for extreme fire weather conditions on Tuesday.
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
10.15 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.
15-Day Weather Outlook
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 | 10.15 ft | -1.63 | |||||
|
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
USGS 05483600 |
92 cfs | 4.31 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.