Floodway At L Arkansas River At Valley Center flow report
As of July 13, 2026, Floodway At L Arkansas River At Valley Center is flowing at 0 cfs with a gage height of 2.58 ft. Source: USGS gauge #07144201, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
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.
Floodway At L Arkansas River At Valley Center
The primary flow providers are the Arkansas River and its tributaries, with potential specific related tributaries and dams being the Little Arkansas River and the Cheney Reservoir Dam. Seasonal trends show that the floodway is most active during the spring months when heavy rainfall and snowmelt occur. One quirky fact about the floodway is that it was created in the 1940s as part of a New Deal project aimed at providing employment opportunities during the Great Depression. Overall, the floodway serves an essential role in protecting the surrounding area from devastating floods.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Floodway At L Arkansas River At Valley Center's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Floodway At L Arkansas R At Valley Center | 0 cfs |
| L Arkansas R At Valley Center | 58 cfs |
| L Arkansas R Nr Sedgwick | 20 cfs |
| Arkansas R Nr Maize | 462 cfs |
| Floodway At Arkansas R At Wichita | 0 cfs |
| Cowskin C At 119th St At Wichita | 4 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Floodway At L Arkansas River At Valley Center. 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 |
|---|---|
| Wichita | 0 in |
| Kansas State Uni.Horticulture Ctr | 0 in |
| Kingman | 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 Floodway At L Arkansas River At Valley Center in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Floodway At L Arkansas River At Valley Center crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Floodway At L Arkansas River At Valley Center
Where does the streamflow data for Floodway At L Arkansas River At Valley Center come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 07144201. 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 Floodway At L Arkansas River At Valley Center 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 Floodway At L Arkansas River At Valley Center report
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