Install the RiverApp (for cfs flow info)

River surfing, be it in Metro Denver or Scout or Pueblo or wherever, is a game of watching the flows listed in cfs (cubic feet per second) and knowing when the wave is surfable. The best app to download to your phone is the RiverApp. The basic is free and for a couple of bucks you can look back a week, but truth is you just need want the free version just for the current flow at your favorite river wave spot(s) listed under “Gauges”.

Download the app and browse to set up your favorite gauge list and set an alarm to let you know the current flow you need. For example, set it up to let you know when Chatfield Reservoir (listed as “Below Chatfield Reservoir”) releases over 130cfs. That way you know you got a couple of hours to feed the dog, walk the kids, kiss the the significant other, and blow-off any responsibilities; because, surf will be hitting Sixx shortly.

Here is a link to RiverApp but you will need to download is via the App Store or Play Store- https://www.riverapp.net/en

Suggested gauges to save to your favorites:

  • Below Chatfield Reservoir– this is the main gauge for flow out of Chatfield and takes a couple of hours to hit RRP (but the Denver Surf Report gets a heads-up before you see it happening on the gauge often by hours, check the Surf Forecast section of our blog.
  • Below Union Ave, At Englewood– this is the closest gauge to RRP
  • At Englewood, Co.– this is the closest to Beavers Wave and reflects extra water coming into the S. Platter River from Bear Creek that is down river from RRP and above Beavers
  • At Denver– this is the gauge for 16th Street Wave that likely includes the confluence of Cherry Creek water.
  • At Henderson– this is the gauge that is closest to Dave’s Wave but is hours after the water has passed Dave’s, so you kind of have to look backwards and do an estimation from the prior day.
  • At Salida (DWR)– the best gauge for the re-built Scout wave in Salida, but it is known to freeze-up at times.