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 The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.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
Shoal River
was last observed at
369
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
731
acre-ft of water today; about 82%
of normal.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
452 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2024-03-11 when daily discharge volume was observed at
4,375 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Shoal River Nr Crestview
reporting a streamflow rate of 319 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Shoal River Nr Mossy Head
with a gauge stage of 6.14 ft.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Shoal River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 111 ft, the
Shoal River Nr Mossy Head.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-18 |
| Discharge Volume | 731 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
368.5 cfs
-2.0 cfs (-0.54%) |
| Percent of Normal | 81.54% |
| Maximum |
4,375.0 cfs
2024-03-11 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shoal River Nr Mossy Head
USGS 02368500 |
50 cfs | 6.14 ft | 0 | |||||
|
Shoal River Nr Crestview
USGS 02369000 |
319 cfs | 2.68 ft | -0.62 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
Historically, the river was used by Native Americans for transportation and fishing. Today, the Shoal River is an important source of drinking water for the surrounding area. The river flows through several reservoirs and dams, including the Black Creek Reservoir and the Crestview Reservoir. These reservoirs were created in the early 1900s to provide water for agricultural and domestic use. The Shoal River is also popular among recreational fishermen, who come to the river to catch bass, catfish, and other fish species. Additionally, the river is used for boating and swimming during the warmer months. The Shoal River plays an important role in the local community, providing water and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.