2026-03-12T21:00:00-06:00
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 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248 and 249. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from 11 AM to 9 PM MDT Thursday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Friday morning through Friday evening. * WINDS...On Thursday, west winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts 45 to 70 mph for the northern plains and locations west of I-25, and west winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph elsewhere. On Friday, west winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts 30 to 50 mph, strongest near the Cheyenne Ridge. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...12 to 18 percent, driest roughly along and south of I-70 and around the Denver metro. * 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
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Upper River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Upper 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Upper River Rouge At Farmington
USGS 04166300 |
37 cfs | 3.36 ft | 3.6 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
This 629-mile-long stretch of river has significant historical and cultural importance, serving as a vital transportation route for Native American tribes, European explorers, and early American settlers.
The hydrology of the Upper River is influenced by a number of large reservoirs and dams, including the Lake Winnibigoshish Dam, the Gull Lake Dam, and the Sartell Dam. These structures provide important hydroelectric power and flood control measures, but have also impacted the river's natural ecology and disrupted fish migrations.
Recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping are popular along the Upper River, and the river also supports a thriving agricultural industry. However, nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff has led to water quality problems and algal blooms in some portions of the river.