North Fork Big Thompson River (CO) at Drake

1. 8.00 ftThis 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.
2. 7.00 ftMajor flooding occurs along the river with County Road 43 likely damaged.
3. 6.50 ftWater is up to the base of the bridges at Glen Haven and Drake. High water isolates houses.
4. 6.00 ftModerate flooding occurs with roads, homes, businesses and the Drake RV campground impacted.
5. 5.50 ftWater overtops the road a mile east of Glen Haven and begins to affect some residences in Glen Haven.
6. 4.50 ftWater overflows banks in the lowest areas adjacent to the river.

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

• July 4, 2021: 4.48 ft
• June 2, 2020: 3.19 ft
• June 30, 2019: 3.49 ft
• June 17, 2018: 3.12 ft
• May 24, 2017: 3.76 ft
• September 12, 2013: 11.55 ft
• July 7, 2012: 4.14 ft
• July 13, 2011: 4.67 ft
• June 12, 2010: 5.10 ft
• June 2, 2009: 4.36 ft

• DownstreamBig Thompson River (CO) at Cedar Cove
• Big Thompson River (CO) at Lake Estes
• Big Thompson River (CO) at Lake Estes
• Buckhorn Creek (CO) at Masonville
• North Saint Vrain Creek (CO) at Lyons
• Spring Creek (CO) at Fort Collins
• Fossil Creek (CO) at Fort Collins
• Big Thompson River (CO) at Loveland

Forecasts by the Missouri Basin River Forecast Center. Graphical forecasts are not available during times of high water, forecast crest information can be found in the local WFO web page. Stage data may not be available during winter months.

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