Rivers in Colorado
South Platte River at Henderson
Below flood stage
3.28ftStage
Observed Sun, Sep 27, 5:30 AM MDT
- Flood stage
- 11.00 ft
- Record crest
- 17.67 ft1973
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 15.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 13.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 11.00 ft |
| Action | 10.00 ft |
- 17.70 ftThis is close to the maximum flood since records began in the 1920s. 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>.
- 15.50 ftWidespread, major flooding occurs with numerous roads and streets inundated and impassable. The river levels rise to the base of bridges resulting in flooding of bridges or bridge approaches.
- 15.20 ftThis 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>.
- 15.00 ftThere is major flooding along the river including damage in Henderson and Brighton.
- 13.00 ftThere is significant damage to agricultural lands along the river.
- 11.10 ftThe river overflows its banks causing flooding downstream of Brighton and begins to affect agricultural lands. 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>.
- 10.00 ftThere is minor overbank flow into low lying areas along the river.
- 9.50 ftWater overtops bike paths 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 September 23, 2026.
Crest history
94 crests on NOAA’s list since 1926.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 6, 1973 | 17.67 ft |
| 2 | June 17, 1965 | 16.93 ft |
| 3 | May 8, 1969 | 14.91 ft |
| 4 | May 9, 1957 | 12.45 ft |
| 5 | September 12, 2013 | 11.65 ft |
| 6 | June 12, 2015 | 11.40 ft |
| 7 | June 27, 1983 | 11.35 ft |
| 8 | July 20, 1985 | 11.24 ft |
| 9 | May 17, 1995 | 11.00 ft |
| 10 | August 24, 1992 | 10.90 ft |
| 11 | June 9, 1987 | 10.70 ft |
| 12 | August 21, 1984 | 10.60 ft |
| 13 | April 26, 1942 | 10.55 ft |
| 14 | July 13, 2011 | 10.11 ft |
| 15 | June 11, 1970 | 10.10 ft |
| 16 | June 1, 1991 | 10.06 ft |
| 17 | April 30, 1999 | 10.05 ft |
| 18 | August 13, 1975 | 10.04 ft |
| 19 | August 19, 2004 | 9.98 ft |
| 20 | August 4, 1988 | 9.88 ft |
| 21 | July 26, 1998 | 9.86 ft |
| 22 | June 14, 1949 | 9.59 ft |
| 23 | April 25, 2007 | 9.49 ft |
| 24 | June 3, 1989 | 9.45 ft |
| 25 | July 17, 2000 | 9.38 ft |
Most recent crests
- June 26, 2021: 7.27 ft
- May 24, 2020: 7.22 ft
- July 20, 2019: 7.19 ft
- July 24, 2018: 6.84 ft
- May 18, 2017: 8.18 ft
- April 29, 2016: 7.39 ft
- June 12, 2015: 11.40 ft
- July 31, 2014: 9.02 ft
- September 12, 2013: 11.65 ft
- September 12, 2012: 8.31 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.