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
North Loup River
was last observed at
3,079
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
6,107
acre-ft of water today; about 134%
of normal.
River levels are high.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
2,294 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2025-06-26 when daily discharge volume was observed at
5,433 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
North Loup River Nr St Paul Nebr
reporting a streamflow rate of 2,580 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
North Loup River At Taylor
with a gauge stage of 2.9 ft.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the North Loup River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 2,253 ft, the
North Loup River At Taylor.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-06 |
| Discharge Volume | 6,107 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
3,079.0 cfs
+1094.0 cfs (+55.11%) |
| Percent of Normal | 134.25% |
| Maximum |
5,433.0 cfs
2025-06-26 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
North Loup River At Taylor
USGS 06786000 |
487 cfs | 2.9 ft | -15.16 | |||||
|
North Loup River Nr St Paul Nebr
USGS 06790500 |
2580 cfs | 2.76 ft | 88.32 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
It is approximately 68 miles long and has a drainage area of about 1,250 square miles. The North Loup River was an important water source for Native American tribes, and later became a popular route for pioneers traveling westward. The river flows through several reservoirs, including the Calamus Reservoir and the Davis Creek Reservoir. These reservoirs provide irrigation water for agriculture and serve as recreational destinations for fishing, boating, and camping. The river also supports a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and mammals. Despite being used for agricultural and recreational purposes, the North Loup River is considered healthy and well-maintained by local conservation groups.