Arkansas River Near Nickerson flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Arkansas River Near Nickerson is flowing at 236 cfs with a gage height of 10.99 ft, receding 6% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #07142680, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Arkansas River Near Nickerson at a glance
How Arkansas River Near Nickerson is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Arkansas River Near Nickerson is flowing at 236 cfs, with the water sitting 10.99 ft at the gage. Flow is down 6% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #07142680 in Kansas. Over the past 10 days the average has been 394 cfs, peaking at 751 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Kansas flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Arkansas R Nr Nickerson is expected to hold near today's 252 cfs, toward roughly 227 cfs by 2026-07-18 (likely range 72-717 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
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 Near Nickerson
The main flow contributors to the gauge are precipitation, snowmelt, and runoff from tributary streams. Some potential tributaries include the Walnut River and the Little Arkansas River. There are no major dams in the vicinity of the gauge. Seasonal trends show that peak flows occur during the spring months, typically from March to May, due to snowmelt and spring rainfall. Interesting hydrological features include flash floods caused by heavy rainfall and sudden snowmelt, which can cause rapid rises in water levels. Additionally, the Arkansas River is known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for kayaking, fishing, and other water activities.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Arkansas River Near Nickerson's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Arkansas R Nr Nickerson | 236 cfs |
| Cow C Nr Lyons | 3 cfs |
| Nf Ninnescah R Ab Cheney Re | 50 cfs |
| Arkansas R Nr Hutchinson | 302 cfs |
| Rattlesnake C Nr Zenith | 6 cfs |
| L Arkansas R At Alta Mills | 5 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Arkansas River Near Nickerson. 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 |
|---|---|
| Kanapolis Lake-Smoky Hill R | 0 in |
| Kingman | 0 in |
| Ellsworth | 0 in |
| Lindsborg 3e | 1 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Arkansas River Near Nickerson.
Boat launches
See all →
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 Near Nickerson 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 Near Nickerson crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Arkansas River Near Nickerson
Where does the streamflow data for Arkansas River Near Nickerson come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 07142680. 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 Near Nickerson 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 Near Nickerson report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
- Flow alerts — get pinged the moment this river hits your range
- Save favorites — every river, lake & snowpack in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app