Yampa River

Last Updated: April 14, 2026

Total streamflow across the Yampa River was last observed at 5,522 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 10,952 acre-ft of water today; about 49% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 11,292 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2011-06-09 when daily discharge volume was observed at 79,245 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Yampa River At Deerlodge Park reporting a streamflow rate of 1,530 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Yampa River, with a gauge stage of 4.01 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 7 different streamgauging stations along the Yampa River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 7,211 ft, the Yampa River Above Stagecoach Reservoir.

The Yampa River is a tributary of the Green River and is located in the western part of the United States.


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-04-14
Discharge Volume 10,952 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 5,521.5 cfs
Past 24 Hours: +138.0 cfs (+2.56%)
Percent of Normal 48.9%
Maximum 79,245.0 cfs
2011-06-09
Seasonal Avg 11,292 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Yampa River Above Stagecoach Reservoir
USGS 09237450
11 cfs 1.92 ft 0
Yampa River Below Stagecoach Reservoir
USGS 09237500
21 cfs 2.27 ft -13.93
Yampa River At Steamboat Springs
USGS 09239500
420 cfs 2.17 ft 3.29
Yampa River Above Elkhead Creek Near Hayden
USGS 09244490
1140 cfs 3 ft 0.87
Yampa River Below Craig
USGS 09247600
1140 cfs 2.97 ft 5.83
Yampa River Near Maybell
USGS 09251000
1260 cfs 3.41 ft 2.63
Yampa River At Deerlodge Park
USGS 09260050
1530 cfs 4.01 ft -1.32
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Yampa River flows 250 miles (400 km) through northwestern Colorado in the United States. Rising in the Rocky Mountains, it is a tributary of the Green River and a major part of the Colorado River system. The Yampa is one of the few free-flowing rivers in the western United States, with only a few small dams and diversions.
The name is derived from the Snake Indians word for the Perideridia plant, which has an edible root. John C. Frémont was among the first to record the name 'Yampah' in entries of his journal from 1843, as he found the plant was particularly abundant in the watershed.