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
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 29.01 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.
15-Day Weather Outlook
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 | 4.78 ft | 17.99 | |||||
|
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
USGS 05484600 |
1300 cfs | 29.01 ft | 73.56 | |||||
|
Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines
USGS 05484650 |
587 cfs | 21.31 ft | 23.32 | |||||
|
Raccoon River At Fleur Drive
USGS 05484900 |
1200 cfs | 3.57 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.