Major Flood
9.5 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
7.3 ft
Minor Flood
5.8 ft
Action Stage
5.5 ft
What Floods at Each Level
11 ft
Major flood destruction of homes and property along the Dolores River. River erosion may cause land slides and river debris may damage bridges.
9.5 ft
Major flooding is occurring. Sections of CO 145 are likely washed out.
8.5 ft
Moderate flooding is occurring damaging buildings and property. Portions of CO 145 are impassable due to water.
7.3 ft
Moderate flooding is occurring along the Dolores River between the towns of Rico and Dolores. Water is running over portions of CO 145.
7 ft
The Dolores River nears sections of CO 145. Water is nearing homes and property. River banks are eroding and very unstable.
5.8 ft
Minor flooding is occurring along the Dolores River between the towns of Rico and Dolores. River banks are eroding and becoming unstable. Agricultural land near and along the Dolores River is flooding.
5.5 ft
Some minor flooding of low-lying agricultural land along the Dolores River between Rico and Dolores is likely.
5.4 ft
River reaches bankfull in sections. Water begins to pool in low lying fields and agricultural land near and along the Dolores River.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 9, 1952 | 6.15 ft | 2,120 cfs |
| Jun 4, 1957 | 6.07 ft | 2,080 cfs |
| May 23, 1984 | 5.95 ft | 2,170 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
DRRC2
River
Dolores River
County
Montezuma, CO
Coordinates
37.6389°N, 108.0604°W
Get Flood Alerts for Dolores River
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 Dolores River near Rico?
The Dolores River near Rico gauge is maintained by USGS (site 09165000) 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 Dolores River near Rico?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Dolores River near Rico is 5.8 feet. Action stage begins at 5.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 7.3 feet, and major flooding at 9.5 feet.
How do I get alerts when Dolores River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Dolores River near Rico 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 Dolores River near Rico gauge located?
The gauge is located in Montezuma County, Colorado at coordinates 37.6389°N, 108.0604°W. USGS site number: 09165000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Dolores River
On This River
Downstream: Dolores River at Dolores
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.