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
West Nishnabotna River
was last observed at
604
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
1,198
acre-ft of water today; about 166%
of normal.
River levels are high.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
364 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2025-08-11 when daily discharge volume was observed at
2,639 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
West Nishnabotna River At Randolph
reporting a streamflow rate of 346 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the West Nishnabotna River, with a gauge stage of
8.11 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the West Nishnabotna River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,089 ft, the
West Nishnabotna River At Hancock.
15-Day Weather Outlook
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-04 |
| Discharge Volume | 1,198 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
604.0 cfs
-29.0 cfs (-4.58%) |
| Percent of Normal | 165.75% |
| Maximum |
2,639.0 cfs
2025-08-11 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
West Nishnabotna River At Hancock
USGS 06807410 |
154 cfs | 2.47 ft | -31.25 | |||||
|
West Nishnabotna River At Randolph
USGS 06808500 |
346 cfs | 8.11 ft | -16.22 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
The river has a length of 92 miles and is named after the Nishnabotna Native American tribe. The river's hydrology is largely influenced by precipitation and agricultural practices in the region. There are several small reservoirs and dams along the river, including the Lenox Reservoir, which was built in the 1940s for flood control and irrigation. The river is used for recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, and camping. Its watershed is also vital for agricultural purposes, providing water for crops and livestock. However, the river has had issues with water quality due to agricultural runoff and erosion. Conservation efforts have been implemented to improve the health of the West Nishnabotna River.