TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
North Platte River
was last observed at
651
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
1,291
acre-ft of water today; about 127%
of normal.
River levels are high.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
511 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2011-06-21 when daily discharge volume was observed at
36,130 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
North Platte River Below Glendo Reservoir
reporting a streamflow rate of 5,710 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the North Platte River, with a gauge stage of
8.94 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the North Platte River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 7,823 ft, the
North Platte River Near Northgate.
The North Platte River is a major tributary of the Platte River, spanning over 700 miles in Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska. Historically, the river served as a major transportation route for early fur traders and pioneers. Today, it is used for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, with several dams and reservoirs along its length, including the Seminoe, Pathfinder, and Alcova Reservoirs. The river also supports recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping, with sections designated as Wild and Scenic. Agriculture also relies heavily on the river, with extensive irrigation systems supporting crops such as sugar beets, corn, and wheat. Despite its many uses, the river faces challenges such as low water flows and pollution, requiring careful management and conservation efforts.
| Last Updated | 2024-12-21 |
| Discharge Volume | 1,291 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
651.0 cfs
-30.0 cfs (-4.41%) |
| Percent of Normal | 127.36% |
| Maximum |
36,130.0 cfs
2011-06-21 |
| Seasonal Avg | 511 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
North Platte River Near Northgate
USGS 06620000 |
84 cfs | 2.95 ft | -6.91 | |||||
|
North Platte River At Orin
USGS 06652000 |
651 cfs | 3.58 ft | -4.41 | |||||
|
North Platte River Below Glendo Reservoir
USGS 06652800 |
5710 cfs | 8.94 ft | ||||||
|
North Platte River Below Whalen Diversion Dam
USGS 06657000 |
5 cfs | 4.34 ft | 0 | |||||
|
North Platte River At Wyoming-Nebraska State Line
USGS 06674500 |
188 cfs | 2.24 ft | 0 |
History of the River
The North Platte River is a major tributary of the Platte River and is approximately 716 miles (1,152 km) long, counting its many curves. In a straight line, it travels about 550 miles (890 km), along its course through the U.S. states of Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska.
The head of the river is essentially all of Jackson County, Colorado, whose boundaries are the continental divide on the east and south and the mountain drainage peaks on the east—the north boundary is the state of Wyoming border. The rugged Rocky Mountains surrounding Jackson County have at least twelve peaks over 11,000 feet (3,400 m) in height. From Jackson County the river flows north about 200 miles (320 km) out of the Routt National Forest and North Park (Colorado basin) near what is now Walden, Colorado, to Casper, Wyoming. Shortly after passing Casper, the river turns to the east-southeast and flows about 350 miles (560 km) to the city of North Platte, Nebraska.
The North Platte and South Platte River join to form the Platte River in western Nebraska near the city of North Platte, Nebraska. The Platte River flows to the Missouri River, which joins the Mississippi River to flow to the Gulf of Mexico. The river provides the major avenue of drainage for northern Colorado, eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. It is only navigable over most of its length at high water by canoes, kayaks and rubber rafts.