Major Flood
15 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
Loading...
Streamflow
Loading...
Last Reading
Loading...
This is an NWS forecast point (LID: DNVC2). 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
13 ft
Minor Flood
11 ft
Action Stage
9.5 ft
What Floods at Each Level
17.9 ft
Near record flooding occurs. This level represents a flood that has a 0.2-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. For more information click <a href="inundation/faq_google.php">here</a>.
16.2 ft
This is a major life threatening flood as a wide expanse of the river spreads out horizontally across the floodplain. 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>.
15 ft
Major flooding occurs with streets and buildings inundated in lower downtown Denver. This level represents a flood that has a 2-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. For more information click <a href="inundation/faq_google.php">here</a>.
13 ft
Buildings and streets flood near the river in lower downtown Denver.
10.9 ft
There is considerable overbank flow along the South Platte River in lower downtown Denver. 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>.
10.5 ft
The South Platte River overflows its banks near Union Station.
9 ft
Water begins to affect lowest sections of the bike path along the South Platte River.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
Loading chart data...
Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 16, 1965 | 18.66 ft | 40,300 cfs |
| Sep 9, 1933 | 13.48 ft | 22,000 cfs |
| May 6, 1973 | 12.35 ft | 17,600 cfs |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
DNVC2
River
South Platte River
County
Denver, CO
Coordinates
39.7594°N, 105.0039°W
Get Flood Alerts for South Platte 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 South Platte River at Denver?
The South Platte River at Denver 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 South Platte River at Denver?
The NWS-defined flood stage for South Platte River at Denver is 11 feet. Action stage begins at 9.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 13 feet, and major flooding at 15 feet.
How do I get alerts when South Platte River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add South Platte River at Denver 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 South Platte River at Denver gauge located?
The gauge is located in Denver County, Colorado at coordinates 39.7594°N, 105.0039°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on South Platte River
On This River
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: CO Division of Water Resources
- Gauge reading affected by reservoir operations.
- Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.