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
Spoon River
was last observed at
174
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
346
acre-ft of water today; about 13%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
1,314 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2013-05-31 when daily discharge volume was observed at
40,400 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Spoon River At Seville
reporting a streamflow rate of 103 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Spoon River, with a gauge stage of
5.2 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Spoon River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 557 ft, the
Spoon River At London Mills.
15-Day Weather Outlook
River Details
| Last Updated | 2026-01-18 |
| Discharge Volume | 346 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
174.4 cfs
-67.3 cfs (-27.84%) |
| Percent of Normal | 13.27% |
| Maximum |
40,400.0 cfs
2013-05-31 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spoon River At London Mills
USGS 05569500 |
71 cfs | 1.97 ft | -15.7 | |||||
|
Spoon River At Seville
USGS 05570000 |
103 cfs | 5.2 ft | -34.39 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
Historically, the river played a significant role in transportation and commerce in the region, and the towns along its banks grew with the rise of the agricultural industry. The river is fed by several tributaries and is dammed in several places to form reservoirs, including the Canton Lake and the Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area. These reservoirs serve as water sources and offer recreational opportunities like boating and fishing. However, the river faces challenges from pollution and agricultural runoff, which threaten the health of its ecosystem. The Spoon River has been immortalized in literature by Edgar Lee Masters in his book "Spoon River Anthology" which depicts the lives of the people buried in the cemetery in the fictional town of Spoon River.