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
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Shade River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Shade 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shade River Near Chester Oh
USGS 03159540 |
565 cfs | 8.23 ft | -24.97 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
The Shade River is a tributary of the Ohio River in southeastern Ohio in the United States. Via the Ohio River, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River, draining an area of 221 square miles (570 km2) on the unglaciated portion of the Allegheny Plateau. The Shade River is 17.4 miles (28.0 km) long, or 38.2 miles (61.5 km) including its west branch.The Shade River flows predominantly as three streams, its east, middle, and west branches. It is formed by the confluence of its middle and west branches, and collects its east branch shortly thereafter:
The West Branch Shade River rises in Scipio Township in Meigs County, at an elevation of 853 feet (260 m), and flows east-southeastwardly through Bedford and Chester Townships. The West Branch is 20.8 miles (33.5 km) long and drains an area of 71.3 square miles (185 km2).
The Middle Branch Shade River rises southeast of the city of Athens in Athens Township in Athens County, at an elevation of 950 feet (290 m), and flows southeastwardly through Alexander, Lodi, and Carthage Townships in Athens County; and Bedford, Orange, and Chester Townships in Meigs County. The Middle Branch is 28.5 miles (45.9 km) long and drains an area of 57.6 square miles (149 km2).
The East Branch Shade River rises in Lodi Township in Athens County, at an elevation of 916 feet (279 m), and flows south-southeastwardly through Carthage Township in Athens County, and Orange and Chester Townships in Meigs County. The East Branch is 21.9 miles (35.2 km) long and drains an area of 54.9 square miles (142 km2).From the confluence of the middle and west branches in Chester Township, the Shade River flows generally eastwardly, past the community of Chester. It collects its east branch from the north at the community of Keno, and enters the Ohio River in Olive Township, approximately one mile (2 km) south of the community of Long Bottom.According to the Geographic Names Information System, the Shade River has also been known historically as "Shade Creek" and as "Devils Hole Creek."