USGS Streamgage 06736000
North Fork Big Thompson River at Drake, CO
North Fork Big Thompson River at Drake, CO is USGS streamgage 06736000 in Colorado, monitoring river discharge in hydrologic subbasin 10190006. It drains a watershed of about 85 square miles. Discharge records at this site go back to 1947. Typical flow runs near 53 cfs in July and 11.2 cfs in April, with the higher of the two arriving in July.
Gauge details
- State
- Colorado
- Drainage area
- 85 sq mi
- Gauge elevation
- 6,148 ft
- Subbasin (HUC-8)
- 10190006
- Coordinates
- 40.43285, -105.33872
- USGS site number
- 06736000
- Records begin
- 1947-05-14 (79 years)
Typical flow by month
Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 9 years of data), averaged within each month. These describe the historical normal range — they are not a forecast and not today's reading.
| Month | Low p10 | Typical p50 | High p90 | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | — | 5.3 | — | |
| February | — | 5.6 | — | |
| March | — | 5.3 | — | |
| April | — | 11.2 | — | |
| May | 19.2 | 49.6 | 157.9 | |
| June | 21.1 | 110.9 | 360.2 | |
| July | 18.4 | 53 | 121.4 | |
| August | 13.5 | 33.6 | 63.8 | |
| September | 9.2 | 17.8 | 25.4 | |
| October | — | 11.5 | — | |
| November | — | 9.1 | — | |
| December | — | 6.2 | — |
All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Common questions
- When does North Fork Big Thompson River at Drake, CO normally run highest?
- June, on the long-term record. The median daily flow that month is about 110.9 cfs, against 5.3 cfs in January, the lowest month. These are historical normals for the date, not a forecast and not today's reading.
- What is a normal flow for North Fork Big Thompson River at Drake, CO?
- It depends on the month. In May, half of days historically fall near 49.6 cfs, with the middle 80% of days between 19.2 and 157.9 cfs. The month-by-month table on this page gives the full range.
- How long has North Fork Big Thompson River at Drake, CO been measured?
- Discharge records at USGS site 06736000 begin in 1947, about 79 years. The long record is what makes the monthly percentiles on this page meaningful.
- Where is North Fork Big Thompson River at Drake, CO?
- The gauge sits at 40.43285, -105.33872, in Colorado, in hydrologic subbasin 10190006, at an elevation of about 6,148 feet, draining roughly 85 square miles.
- Can I use North Fork Big Thompson River at Drake, CO data for flood or safety decisions?
- No. Rivermatics provides estimates, not guarantees, and the readings and forecasts here may be delayed, inaccurate, or wrong. Do not use them for navigation or for any safety, rescue, or emergency decision. Check the National Weather Service and USGS directly, and use your own judgment.