StormCast — Weather & Emergency Alerts

North Fork Big Thompson River (CO) at Drake
Colorado — Water Level & Flood Stage

Located in Larimer County, Colorado on the North Fork Big Thompson 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: DKKC2). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →

Flood Stages

Major Flood

5.5 ft

Moderate Flood

4.5 ft

Minor Flood

4 ft

Action Stage

3 ft

Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.

What Floods at Each Level

8 ft

This is a major, life threatening flood. There is extensive inundation of houses and businesses with severe damage to County Road 43 from Glen Haven through Drake.

7 ft

Major flooding occurs along the river with County Road 43 likely damaged.

6.5 ft

Water is up to the base of the bridges at Glen Haven and Drake. High water isolates houses.

6 ft

Moderate flooding occurs with roads, homes, businesses and the Drake RV campground impacted.

5.5 ft

Water overtops the road a mile east of Glen Haven and begins to affect some residences in Glen Haven.

4.5 ft

Water overflows banks in the lowest areas adjacent to the 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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View Official NWS Hydrograph →

Historic Crests

Date Stage Flow
Sep 11, 201311.55 ft18,400 cfs
Sep 11, 201311.55 ft18,400 cfs
Jul 30, 19769.31 ft8,710 cfs
Jul 30, 19769.31 ft8,710 cfs
Jun 12, 20105.1 ft463 cfs

About This Gauge

NWS LID

DKKC2

River

North Fork Big Thompson River (CO)

County

Larimer, CO

Coordinates

40.4372°N, 105.3418°W

Get Flood Alerts for North Fork 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water level of North Fork Big Thompson River (CO) at Drake?

The North Fork Big Thompson River (CO) at Drake 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 North Fork Big Thompson River (CO) at Drake?

The NWS-defined flood stage for North Fork Big Thompson River (CO) at Drake is 4 feet. Action stage begins at 3 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 4.5 feet, and major flooding at 5.5 feet.

How do I get alerts when North Fork Big Thompson River (CO) rises?

Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add North Fork Big Thompson River (CO) at Drake 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 North Fork Big Thompson River (CO) at Drake gauge located?

The gauge is located in Larimer County, Colorado at coordinates 40.4372°N, 105.3418°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.

On This River

More Resources

Source & Notes

Data provided by: CO Division of Water Resources