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
South Skunk River
was last observed at
809
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
1,604
acre-ft of water today; about 176%
of normal.
River levels are high.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
460 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2025-07-25 when daily discharge volume was observed at
18,900 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa
reporting a streamflow rate of 485 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
South Skunk River Below Squaw Creek Near Ames
with a gauge stage of 10.65 ft.
This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the South Skunk River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 928 ft, the
South Skunk River Near Ames.
15-Day Weather Outlook
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-03 |
| Discharge Volume | 1,604 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
808.7 cfs
+112.0 cfs (+16.08%) |
| Percent of Normal | 175.81% |
| Maximum |
18,900.0 cfs
2025-07-25 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
South Skunk River Near Ames
USGS 05470000 |
92 cfs | 3.46 ft | 0 | |||||
|
South Skunk River Below Squaw Creek Near Ames
USGS 05471000 |
130 cfs | 10.65 ft | -8.45 | |||||
|
South Skunk River At Colfax
USGS 05471050 |
211 cfs | 8.9 ft | 17.22 | |||||
|
South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa
USGS 05471500 |
485 cfs | 10.04 ft | 28.99 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
It runs for 137 miles and has a drainage area of 1,629 square miles. The river has a long history of flooding, with the most significant flood occurring in 2008. The hydrology of the river is affected by various factors, including land use changes, development, and climate change.
There are several reservoirs and dams along the South Skunk River, including the Saylorville Dam and the Red Rock Dam. These dam systems help to manage flooding and provide hydroelectric power. The river is also an important source of water for agricultural irrigation in the region.
Recreationally, the South Skunk River is popular for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The river is home to several species of fish, including catfish, bass, and walleye. The river also provides important habitat for wildlife, including several endangered species.