2026-03-12T21:00:00-06:00
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 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248 and 249. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from 11 AM to 9 PM MDT Thursday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Friday morning through Friday evening. * WINDS...On Thursday, west winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts 45 to 70 mph for the northern plains and locations west of I-25, and west winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph elsewhere. On Friday, west winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts 30 to 50 mph, strongest near the Cheyenne Ridge. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...12 to 18 percent, driest roughly along and south of I-70 and around the Denver metro. * 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 Rifle River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Rifle River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
15-Day Weather Outlook
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rifle River Near Sterling
USGS 04142000 |
210 cfs | 4.28 ft | 0.96 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
It flows through Ogemaw and Arenac counties and empties into Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. The river has a rich history, as it was a popular location for logging and timber transportation in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the river is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and canoeing. It is also used for agriculture and recreation, as well as hydroelectric power generation. There are several reservoirs and dams on the river, including the Secord Dam and Secord Lake, which were built in the early 20th century for hydroelectric power generation. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and walleye, making it a popular destination for anglers.