South Platte River near Balzac

1. 13.50 ftBusinesses and residences flood along the river in eastern Sterling.
2. 12.50 ftNumerous roads and structures flood along the river.
3. 12.00 ftWater flows over Colorado Highway 71 near Snyder.
4. 11.00 ftThere is extensive flooding of agricultural land near the river. Water flows over State Highway 63 near Atwood.
5. 10.00 ftAgricultural land floods along the river near Sterling.
6. 8.00 ftThe river is out of its banks and into fields and meadows.

Chance of flooding, September to November

The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 23, 2026.

Most recent crests

• June 9, 2021: 5.25 ft
• March 22, 2020: 3.50 ft
• June 24, 2019: 5.39 ft
• May 21, 2018: 4.12 ft
• May 29, 2017: 6.30 ft
• June 16, 2016: 6.85 ft
• May 13, 2015: 10.39 ft
• June 5, 2014: 9.06 ft
• September 15, 2013: 13.71 ft
• February 8, 2012: 3.95 ft

• UpstreamSouth Platte River at Fort Morgan
• DownstreamSouth Platte River at Atwood
• South Platte River
• South Platte River at Weldona
• South Platte River at Crook
• South Platte River at Kersey
• Cache La Poudre River (CO) at Greeley
• Cache La Poudre River (CO) at Greeley

Forecasts by the Missouri Basin River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available. Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.

Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service.