Major Flood
8 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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This is an NWS forecast point (LID: BTBC2). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
7 ft
Minor Flood
6.5 ft
Action Stage
6 ft
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.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | 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 |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
BTBC2
River
Big Thompson River (CO)
County
Larimer, CO
Coordinates
40.3764°N, 105.4856°W
Get Flood Alerts for Big Thompson River (CO)
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Big Thompson River (CO) below Lake Estes?
The Big Thompson River (CO) below Lake Estes gauge is maintained by USGS and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Big Thompson River (CO) below Lake Estes?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Big Thompson River (CO) below Lake Estes is 6.5 feet. Action stage begins at 6 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 7 feet, and major flooding at 8 feet.
How do I get alerts when Big Thompson River (CO) rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Big Thompson River (CO) below Lake Estes to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Big Thompson River (CO) below Lake Estes gauge located?
The gauge is located in Larimer County, Colorado at coordinates 40.3764°N, 105.4856°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Big Thompson River (CO)
On This River
Downstream: Big Thompson River (CO) at Cedar Cove
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Bureau of Reclamation
- Gauge reading affected by reservoir operations.
- Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.