RIVER GAUGE · BIG THOMPSON RIVER (CO)
Big Thompson River (CO) below Lake Estes
Larimer County, Colorado
Water level0.78 ft
Flow39 cfs
Last readingSep 16, 2026, 5:05 PM UTC (last recorded)
Action6 ft1,080 cfs
Minor flood6.5 ft
Moderate flood7 ft
Major flood8 ft
The past week
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What floods at each level
- 8 ft
Widespread flooding of U.S. Highway 34 occurs between Drake and Loveland.
- 7 ft
Houses and businesses flood along the river in Big Thompson Canyon. Flooding occurs along sections of U.S. Highway 34.
- 6.5 ft
Flooding impacts private bridges, yards and is into basements between Olympus Heights and Loveland.
- 6 ft
The river is out of its banks near buildings just east of Estes Park.
Highest crests on record
| Date | Level | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 2013 | 9.05 ft | 5,280 cfs |
| Jun 2, 1997 | 6.14 ft | 1,129 cfs |
| Jun 6, 2010 | 6.08 ft | 1,150 cfs |
More on Big Thompson River (CO)
DownstreamBig Thompson River (CO) at Cedar Cove
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