Water Report — Boulder Creek & Colorado River Conditions

Check current water levels before heading out on Boulder Creek or the Colorado River. Flow data is sourced from USGS gauges and updated regularly.

Boulder Creek at Boulder, CO

USGS Gauge: 06730200 — Boulder Creek at North 75th Street

Current conditions: View live USGS data

Flow Guide for Tubing

  • Under 100 CFS: Too low — you'll scrape bottom. Try SUP instead.
  • 100–200 CFS: Mellow float. Great for beginners and families.
  • 200–300 CFS: Ideal tubing conditions. Fun rapids, manageable current.
  • 300–500 CFS: Fast water — experienced tubers only. Life jacket required.
  • Over 500 CFS: Dangerous. Do not tube. Creek is too fast and cold.

Upper Colorado River near Dotsero, CO

USGS Gauge: 09070500 — Colorado River near Dotsero

Current conditions: View live USGS data

Flow Guide

  • 300–800 CFS: Mellow to moderate. Good for tubing all sections.
  • 800–1500 CFS: Great tubing. Strong swimming ability required.
  • 1500–3000 CFS: Advanced only. Fast current, big waves.
  • Over 3000 CFS: Dangerous. Stick to kayaks or stay off the water.
Full Upper Colorado River Guide

St. Vrain Creek — Longmont, CO

USGS Gauge: 06724000 — St. Vrain Creek at Lyons

Current conditions: View live USGS data

Popular for mellow tubing through Longmont's St. Vrain Greenway. Best at 100–300 CFS.

Clear Creek — Golden, CO

USGS Gauge: 06719505 — Clear Creek at Golden

Current conditions: View live USGS data

Cold, fast water through Golden and Clear Creek Canyon. For experienced paddlers and kayakers — not recommended for casual tubing.

Gear Up at SkiBoulder

We rent everything you need for a safe day on the water:

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