ARKANSAS FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Arkansas's river conditions exhibit varied streamflow trends, with several rivers experiencing significantly reduced flow rates compared to their seasonal averages. The White River at Batesville stands out with an exceptionally high current streamflow of 43,800 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is 244.19% above the norm, potentially impacting local communities and suggesting a risk for flooding; caution is advised for water enthusiasts, especially around this area. Conversely, the Ouachita River at Camden is experiencing flow drought conditions with a streamflow of only 741 cfs, a stark 94.6% below the expected level. The Saline River at both Sheridan and Rye is also facing similar low flow levels, which could affect recreational activities in these regions.

Noteworthy changes over the last 24 hours include a significant increase in streamflow on the Little Red River near Dewey, where the streamflow surged by 77.62%, albeit still remaining 91.6% below normal, and the White River at Newport, with a minor decline of 0.49%. The Arkansas River at Ft. Smith has experienced a dramatic drop in streamflow, down by 45.78%, with a mere 508 cfs flow rate, indicating a severe 97.28% deviation from the average. This could affect cities along the river, including Ft. Smith itself. The Black River system shows decreased flows in regions such as Corning, Black Rock, and Pocahontas, which may impact the surrounding ecosystems and any water-based recreation. Seasonal adventurers should be mindful of these fluctuations, especially when planning visits to popular whitewater trails and ensuring safety due to the variability indicated by the current gage heights and flow rates across Arkansas's diverse waterways.