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
North Raccoon River
was last observed at
855
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
1,696
acre-ft of water today; about 171%
of normal.
River levels are high.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
501 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2025-08-11 when daily discharge volume was observed at
8,330 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
North Raccoon River Near Jefferson
reporting a streamflow rate of 530 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
with a gauge stage of 7.65 ft.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the North Raccoon River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,179 ft, the
North Raccoon River Near Sac City.
15-Day Weather Outlook
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-03 |
| Discharge Volume | 1,696 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
855.0 cfs
+42.0 cfs (+5.17%) |
| Percent of Normal | 170.64% |
| Maximum |
8,330.0 cfs
2025-08-11 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
USGS 05482300 |
312 cfs | 7.65 ft | -4 | |||||
|
North Raccoon River Near Jefferson
USGS 05482500 |
530 cfs | 5.66 ft | 22.4 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
It is a major tributary of the Raccoon River and is an important source of water for agriculture and recreation in the region. The river has a rich history, with Native American tribes using it as a source of food and transportation for thousands of years. Today, the river is home to several important reservoirs and dams, including Brushy Creek Lake, Black Hawk Lake, and the Lake Panorama Dam. These reservoirs provide water for irrigation, flood control, and recreational activities such as fishing and boating. The North Raccoon River is an important resource for Iowa's agricultural community, and it plays a vital role in the region's economy and natural environment.