Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir Flow Report
As of July 16, 2026, Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir is flowing at 25 cfs with a gage height of 1.10 ft, rising 60% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #07130500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir at a glance
How Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir is flowing at 25 cfs, with the water sitting 1.10 ft at the gage. Flow is up 60% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #07130500 in Colorado. Over the past 10 days the average has been 12 cfs, peaking at 25 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Colorado flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #07130500).
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir is expected to rise from today's 25 cfs, toward roughly 45 cfs by 2026-07-21 (likely range 10-211 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir
The river is primarily fed by snowmelt and precipitation, and seasonally experiences high flows in the spring and early summer. The river is also impacted by tributaries and dams, including the Purgatoire River and the John Martin Dam. Interestingly, the Arkansas River is known for its unique geology, with large boulders and rock formations that create challenging rapids for kayakers and rafters. Overall, the hydrology of the Arkansas River is an important aspect of both the natural and recreational environment in this region of Colorado.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir | 25 cfs |
| Purgatoire River Near Las Animas | 2 cfs |
| Arkansas River At Las Animas | 22 cfs |
| Arkansas River At Lamar | 8 cfs |
| Big Sandy Creek Near Lamar | 41 cfs |
| Arkansas River At La Junta | 20 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| John Martin Dam | 0 in |
| Cheraw .15 Nne | 0 in |
| La Junta (Coop) | 0 in |
| La Junta 17.5 S | 0 in |
| Holly | 0 in |
| Kim | 0 in |
River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir
Where does the streamflow data for Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 07130500. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free Arkansas River Below John Martin Reservoir report
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