Rivers in Colorado
South Platte River at Denver
Below flood stage
2.76ftStage
Observed Tue, Sep 22, 1:45 AM MDT
- Flood stage
- 11.00 ft
- Record crest
- 18.66 ft1965
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 15.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 13.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 11.00 ft |
| Action | 9.50 ft |
- 17.90 ftNear 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>.
- 16.20 ftThis 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>.
- 15.00 ftMajor 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>.
- 13.00 ftBuildings and streets flood near the river in lower downtown Denver.
- 10.90 ftThere 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>.
- 10.50 ftThe South Platte River overflows its banks near Union Station.
- 9.00 ftWater begins to affect lowest sections of the bike path along the South Platte River.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | Under 5% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued August 26, 2026.
Crest history
82 crests on NOAA’s list since 1932.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 17, 1965 | 18.66 ft |
| 2 | September 10, 1933 | 13.48 ft |
| 3 | May 7, 1973 | 12.35 ft |
| 4 | May 7, 1969 | 11.97 ft |
| 5 | June 24, 2015 | 11.51 ft |
| 6 | July 25, 1998 | 10.90 ft |
| 7 | May 31, 1935 | 10.60 ft |
| 8 | April 25, 1942 | 10.59 ft |
| 9 | June 14, 1949 | 9.87 ft |
| 10 | July 8, 2001 | 9.63 ft |
| 11 | June 1, 1991 | 9.51 ft |
| 12 | June 4, 1995 | 9.42 ft |
| 13 | July 20, 1975 | 9.38 ft |
| 14 | July 19, 1985 | 9.20 ft |
| 15 | May 14, 2007 | 8.87 ft |
| 16 | August 18, 2004 | 8.83 ft |
| 17 | August 20, 1984 | 8.82 ft |
| 18 | June 27, 1983 | 8.79 ft |
| 19 | July 12, 2011 | 8.72 ft |
| 20 | August 6, 1945 | 8.64 ft |
| 21 | August 11, 1997 | 8.64 ft |
| 22 | May 29, 1990 | 8.60 ft |
| 23 | August 1, 1956 | 8.59 ft |
| 24 | April 23, 2010 | 8.57 ft |
| 25 | August 8, 2008 | 8.52 ft |
Most recent crests
- June 26, 2021: 7.07 ft
- May 24, 2020: 6.62 ft
- August 21, 2019: 7.66 ft
- July 24, 2018: 7.06 ft
- July 27, 2017: 6.70 ft
- June 28, 2016: 7.74 ft
- June 24, 2015: 11.51 ft
- July 30, 2014: 7.43 ft
- September 12, 2013: 7.41 ft
- June 7, 2012: 8.02 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
Forecasts by the Missouri Basin River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available. Gauge reading affected by reservoir operations. Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.
Sources
Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service.