Little Wichita

Watershed Hydrology

The Little Wichita watershed (HUC 11130209) covers an area of approximately 382 square miles in central Kansas. It is a sub-watershed of the larger Arkansas River Basin. The hydrology of the watershed is dominated by the Arkansas River and its tributaries, including the Little Arkansas River and the Ninnescah River. The watershed experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The region typically receives low annual precipitation, which is mostly in the form of rain. Snowfall is rare but can occur during cold winter months. The surface water in the watershed is used for irrigation, municipal, and industrial purposes. The major reservoirs in the area include Cheney Reservoir and El Dorado Lake, which provide water supply, flood control, and recreation opportunities to nearby communities. The watershed is also home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including migratory birds, prairie dogs, and deer. There has been an increasing trend of drought conditions in the region, leading to water scarcity and challenges for agricultural production.


Surface Flows

Little Wichita Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Little Wichita Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Little Wichita Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Little Wichita Watershed

Little Wichita Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed