Clear Creek (CO) near Lawson, CO
River level and flood forecast · Clear Creek County
Normal2.7 ftas of Mon 12:45 PM
The river is 4.8 ft below flood stage (7.5 ft).
Flow: 35 cubic feet per second (USGS).
The last 7 days and the forecast
NWS forecast issued Sun, Dec 31, 5 PM. Forecasts change as rain falls and as upstream water arrives.
Flood stages
| Major flood stage | 9.5 ft |
| Moderate flood stage | 8.5 ft |
| Flood stage | 7.5 ft |
| Action stage | 7 ft |
| Record crest (July 8, 2011) | 7.11 ft |
What floods at each level
From the National Weather Service, highest first.
- 10.9 ftMajor life threatening flooding occurs with extensive damage to Interstate 70 between Lawson and Idaho Springs. This 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>.
- 9.6 ftThere is widespread major flooding of secondary roads, bridges, homes and businesses. 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>.
- 9.1 ftThere is flooding and damage to U.S. Highway 6 in Clear Creek Canyon. 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>.
- 8.5 ftThere is moderate flooding in Idaho Springs. Homes begin to flood in Lawson.
- 7.8 ftThis 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>.
- 7.5 ftHomes and businesses begin to flood in Idaho Springs.
- 7 ftWater overflows into low lying areas along the creek between Lawson and Idaho springs.
Highest crests on record
- 7.11 ft — July 8, 2011
- 7.11 ft — June 18, 1995
- 7.04 ft — May 31, 2003
- 6.76 ft — June 22, 1997
- 6.59 ft — June 12, 2015
Recent crests: 5.34 ft (June 8, 2021) · 5.34 ft (June 6, 2020) · 6.29 ft (July 1, 2019) · 4.81 ft (May 27, 2018) · 6.05 ft (June 12, 2017)
Up and down the river, and nearby
Not an official source. River levels, forecasts, flood stages and impacts are from the National Weather Service (IDOC2); flow from the U.S. Geological Survey. Readings are provisional. In a flood, follow your local officials and the NWS at weather.gov.