OKLAHOMA FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Oklahoma's river systems are experiencing a mixed bag of conditions, with several areas reporting significantly lower streamflows compared to seasonal norms, while others remain near or slightly above average. For instance, the Arkansas River at Tulsa is flowing at 10,300 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is 7.5% above the norm, potentially indicating good conditions for recreational activities unless it hints at the early signs of flooding. However, the Verdigris River near Claremore is at a concerning low, flowing at a mere 9.04% of its normal rate, with a gage height of 3.54 feet, which may indicate flow drought conditions that can affect water-based recreation and ecological health.

Watershed areas across the state, including those near major cities such as Tulsa and Norman, reveal a concerning trend of below-average streamflows, which could have implications for water supply and river health. The Canadian River at Norman, for example, records a 46.3% deficit with a current streamflow of 211 cfs, and the Neosho River near Chouteau is down by a stark 82.54% with a flow of 313 cfs. These figures should alert river enthusiasts and environmental monitors to potential ecological impacts. On the whitewater front, the Illinois River near Tahlequah, a popular spot for paddling, is also running low at 353 cfs, 79.4% below its seasonal average, potentially affecting the whitewater experience. Meanwhile, significant decreases in streamflow, such as the 37.42 cfs drop over the last 24 hours on the Arkansas River near Muskogee, now at 5,000 cfs, could hint at emerging dry conditions that warrant close observation for any potential for water use restrictions or environmental stress.