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
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 10.51 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.
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 | 3.5 ft | 0 | |||||
|
South Skunk River Below Squaw Creek Near Ames
USGS 05471000 |
130 cfs | 10.51 ft | -8.45 | |||||
|
South Skunk River At Colfax
USGS 05471050 |
211 cfs | 8.43 ft | 17.22 | |||||
|
South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa
USGS 05471500 |
485 cfs | 9.25 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.