Cache La Poudre River (CO) above Fort Collins
Colorado — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Larimer County, Colorado on the Cache La Poudre River (CO). Live water level data from USGS, updated every 15 minutes.
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: FTDC2). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
Flood Stages
Major Flood
10.5 ft
Moderate Flood
9 ft
7,490 cfs
Minor Flood
7.5 ft
4,980 cfs
Action Stage
6.5 ft
3,540 cfs
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
11 ft
This is a major-life threatening flood with numerous streets and highways damaged and homes and businesses inundated.
10.4 ft
Buildings flood in and near the town of Laporte. Numerous bridges...streets and highways along the river in Laporte and Fort Collins are impacted by flooding. This level represents a flood that has a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. For more information click <a href="inundation/faq_google.php">here</a>.
10 ft
Numerous bridges crossing the river in Laporte and Fort Collins may be inaccessible as river levels rise to the base of the bridges. Water approaches several neighborhoods and North College Avenue from Vine to Conifer Streets on the north side of Fort Collins.
9.5 ft
Laporte school buildings near the river flood. Highway 14 may be inaccessible in Poudre Canyon.
9 ft
Roads along the river in Poudre Canyon begin to flood. River water begins to impact buildings in Laporte.
8.5 ft
The river rises near the base of the bridge at College Avenue in Fort Collins.
7.8 ft
This level represents a flood that has a 10-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. For more information click <a href="inundation/faq_google.php">here</a>.
7.5 ft
Considerable overbank flow and localized flooding occurs downstream in and near Laporte and Fort Collins.
7 ft
The river may overflow onto low lying property including farmland near Harmony Road.
6.5 ft
The river flows over the Poudre River Trail and bike path in low spots.
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 | 10.29 ft | 9,730 cfs |
| Sep 12, 2013 | 10.29 ft | 9,730 cfs |
| May 31, 2014 | 8.08 ft | 5,820 cfs |
| May 31, 2014 | 8.08 ft | 5,820 cfs |
| Jul 31, 1976 | 7.86 ft | 7,340 cfs |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
FTDC2
River
Cache La Poudre River (CO)
County
Larimer, CO
Coordinates
40.6645°N, 105.2242°W
Get Flood Alerts for Cache La Poudre 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 Cache La Poudre River (CO) above Fort Collins?
The Cache La Poudre River (CO) above Fort Collins 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 Cache La Poudre River (CO) above Fort Collins?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Cache La Poudre River (CO) above Fort Collins is 7.5 feet. Action stage begins at 6.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 9 feet, and major flooding at 10.5 feet.
How do I get alerts when Cache La Poudre River (CO) rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Cache La Poudre River (CO) above Fort Collins to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Cache La Poudre River (CO) above Fort Collins gauge located?
The gauge is located in Larimer County, Colorado at coordinates 40.6645°N, 105.2242°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: CO Division of Water Resources
- Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.