2025-12-20T00:00:00-07:00
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS FRIDAY... Critical fire weather conditions over the northeast plains will gradually ease into this evening. Strong winds will redevelop in the foothills overnight, with high winds spreading slowly east across the nearby adjacent plains west of I-25 through the afternoon. Extremely high wind gusts of 85-100 mph combined with humidities dropping into the 10-20 percent range will create 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. Areas farther east into eastern Adams, Arapahoe, Elbert, and Lincoln counties have more uncertainty if those winds even develop, so those locations remain under a Fire Weather Watch. Such conditions may be a longer duration than usual, with potential for low humidity to extend well into the evening hours. The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 10 AM Friday to midnight MST Friday night. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 238, 239, 240, 241 and 243. * TIMING...From 10 AM Friday to midnight MST Friday night. * WINDS...West 20 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 80 mph or more immediately next to the foothills. Gusts closer to 40 mph along and east of I-25. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a fast moving wildfire.
Summary
Total streamflow across the
Raccoon River
was last observed at
1,640
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
3,253
acre-ft of water today; about 60%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
2,719 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2015-06-27 when daily discharge volume was observed at
114,500 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Raccoon River At Van Meter
reporting a streamflow rate of 1,640 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
with a gauge stage of 28.12 ft.
This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Raccoon River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 862 ft, the
Raccoon River At Van Meter.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-02 |
| Discharge Volume | 3,253 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
1,640.0 cfs
+250.0 cfs (+17.99%) |
| Percent of Normal | 60.31% |
| Maximum |
114,500.0 cfs
2015-06-27 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Raccoon River At Van Meter
USGS 05484500 |
1640 cfs | 4.51 ft | 17.99 | |||||
|
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
USGS 05484600 |
1300 cfs | 28.12 ft | 73.56 | |||||
|
Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines
USGS 05484650 |
587 cfs | 22.82 ft | 23.32 | |||||
|
Raccoon River At Fleur Drive
USGS 05484900 |
1200 cfs | 3.23 ft | 18.81 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
It was named after the abundant population of raccoons living in the area. The river has a rich history, with Native American tribes using it for transportation and fishing. Today, the river is used for various recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, and camping. However, it is also used for agricultural purposes, with numerous farms located along its banks. In terms of hydrology, the river has a relatively flat gradient, leading to slow-moving waters. There are several reservoirs and dams along the river, including Saylorville Dam and Lake Red Rock, which provide flood control and recreational opportunities. Despite its importance to the local community, the Raccoon River has faced issues with pollution and sedimentation, prompting conservation efforts to protect this valuable natural resource.