2025-12-20T00:00:00-07:00
...THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR IN AND IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE FOOTHILLS, BETWEEN 5500 AND 9000 FEET, FOR BOULDER AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES ON FRIDAY... Strong west winds, sustained 45-55 mph with gusts upwards of 85- 105 mph, are expected in the foothills of Larimer, Boulder and Jefferson Counties beginning early Friday morning. Relative humidity values are expected to drop into the low teens, possibly upper single digits. While Red Flag conditions, critical fire weather, are expected across a larger area in northern Colorado, the most extreme conditions are expected to be along Highway 93 from Jefferson County into Boulder County and along US-36 north of Boulder to the Larimer County line and westward. There will be a high potential for fast moving wildfires, should any new starts occur. Winds toward I-25 and eastward will be slower to develop, and also speeds will be considerably lighter. That said, gusts of 25- 40 mph are still expected to combine with very low humidity and cured grasses to support critical fire weather conditions. Such conditions may be a longer duration than usual, with potential for low humidity to extend well into the evening hours. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 238, 240, 241, 242 and 243. * TIMING...From 10 AM this morning to midnight MST tonight. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible west of I-25, and gusts to 40 mph possible along and east of I- 25. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 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.
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 443 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the West Nishnabotna River, with a gauge stage of
8.35 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.
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 | 2.76 ft | -31.25 | |||||
|
West Nishnabotna River At Randolph
USGS 06808500 |
443 cfs | 8.35 ft | -7.9 |
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.