Rivers in Colorado

Clear Creek (CO) at Golden

Jefferson County, ColoradoNWS GLDC2USGS 06719505Boulder office

Below flood stage
7.24ftStage

Observed Wed, Sep 30, 2:45 AM MDT

Flood stage
8.50 ft
Record crest
7.60 ft2015

Open the live map with the river flood outlook

Flood stages and impacts

CategoryStage
Major flood10.50 ft
Moderate flood9.50 ft
Minor flood8.50 ft
Action8.00 ft
  1. 18.50 ftThis 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>.
  2. 12.30 ftThis is a life threatening flood with numerous streets, homes and businesses inundated. 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>.
  3. 11.50 ftMost streets crossing Clear Creek are impassable.
  4. 10.40 ftExtensive flooding impacts streets, bridges and buildings near the river. 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>.
  5. 9.50 ftModerate flooding is expected along Clear Creek in Golden.
  6. 9.00 ftWater is at the base of the bridge at Kipling and 44th Avenue with flooding of homes and structures along the creek.
  7. 8.50 ftPark areas and bike paths along the creek flood. Minor flooding of yards and other properties is expected to begin.
  8. 8.00 ftWater is over the bike path between Kipling and Garrison Streets and into low lying areas in Golden. 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>.
  9. 7.70 ftWater is up to the bike path/walkway just east of U.S. Highway 93 in Golden.

Flood outlook

Chance of flooding, October to December

CategoryChance
Minor floodingUnder 5%
Moderate floodingUnder 5%
Major floodingUnder 5%

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

Crest history

14 crests on NOAA’s list since 2008.

#DateStage
1June 12, 20157.60 ft
2June 4, 20147.25 ft
3June 12, 20167.15 ft
4June 12, 20107.08 ft
5July 8, 20116.95 ft
6July 2, 20196.92 ft
7September 13, 20136.83 ft
8June 13, 20176.75 ft
9June 1, 20096.67 ft
10June 4, 20086.66 ft
11June 9, 20216.37 ft
12June 7, 20206.26 ft
13May 28, 20185.92 ft
14July 7, 20125.46 ft

Most recent crests

  • June 9, 2021: 6.37 ft
  • June 7, 2020: 6.26 ft
  • July 2, 2019: 6.92 ft
  • May 28, 2018: 5.92 ft
  • June 13, 2017: 6.75 ft
  • June 12, 2016: 7.15 ft
  • June 12, 2015: 7.60 ft
  • June 4, 2014: 7.25 ft
  • September 13, 2013: 6.83 ft
  • July 7, 2012: 5.46 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. Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.

Sources

Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.