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
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Quinault River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Quinault River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Quinault River At Quinault Lake
USGS 12039500 |
13800 cfs | 9.8 ft | -16.36 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
The Quinault River ( or ) is a 69-mile (111 km) long river located on the Olympic Peninsula in the U.S. state of Washington. It originates deep in the Olympic Mountains in the Olympic National Park. It flows southwest through the "Enchanted Valley" to opposite Quinault Canyon. Several miles above Lake Quinault the river is joined by its main tributary, the North Fork Quinault River. The main stem Quinault River above this confluence is sometimes called the East Fork Quinault River. Below the confluence the river marks the boundary of Olympic National Park for several miles before emptying into Lake Quinault. After the lake, the Quinault River flows southwest, reaching the Pacific at Taholah. From Lake Quinault to the ocean, the river is contained within the Quinault Indian Reservation.
The Quinault River's drainage basin is 188 square miles (487 km2) in area. Its main tributaries include the North Fork Quinault River, Graves Creek, Fox Creek, and Cook Creek.A well maintained trail follows the East Fork of the Quinault from Graves Creek to the Enchanted Valley Ranger Station through old growth rain forest. In early summer snow melt creates many waterfalls in the valley, giving it the name "Valley of a Thousand Waterfalls".The Quinault River has been reaching new recorded lows in recent years, as it was fed by the Anderson Glacier which had melted away by 2011.
Regional Streamflow Levels
13,800
Cubic Feet Per Second
1,970
Cubic Feet Per Second
3,830
Cubic Feet Per Second
8,130
Cubic Feet Per Second
River Runs
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Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence With Unnamed Tributaries
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Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries Downstream From The End Of Graves Creek Road And Confluence With Graves Creek To Western Boundary Of Olympic National Park
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Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence With Quinault River
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End Of North Fork Quinault Road To Confluence With The Main Branch Quinault River
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Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries Upstream From North Fork Quinault Road To Confluence With North Fork Quinault River
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Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence With North Fork Quinault River