2025-12-20T00:00:00-07:00
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS THURSDAY AND FRIDAY... Strong northwest winds will spread across the northeast plains after sunrise today, with gusts 45 to 65 mph creating critical fire weather conditions despite somewhat marginal humidity values near 20%. Early Friday, westerly downslope winds will bring strong gusts to the Front Range mountains and foothills, with potential for these to spread into wind-favored portions of the adjacent lower elevations. Peak gusts of 70-90 mph are increasing in likelihood for the windiest locations (considerably lower for areas along and east of I-25). With a warmer and drier air mass in place, humidity values in the teens look to extend into much of the foothills, and certainly across the lower elevations. Such conditions may be a longer duration than usual, with potential for low humidity to extend into the evening hours prior to the arrival of a front. The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Friday morning through Friday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 215, 216, 241, 243, 245, 246 and 247. * TIMING...From Friday morning through late Friday evening. * WINDS...West 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 80 mph in and near the foothills. West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph for areas roughly along and east of I-25. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 to 15%. * 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
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.