Total streamflow across the Arkansas River was last observed at 10,418 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 20,664 acre-ft of water today; about 25% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 41,846 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-05-28 when daily discharge volume was observed at 1,992,683 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Arkansas River At Ft. Smith reporting a streamflow rate of 6,140 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Arkansas River Near Muskogee with a gauge stage of 17.81 ft. This river is monitored from 39 different streamgauging stations along the Arkansas River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 9,720 ft, the Arkansas River Near Leadville.

The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River, stretching for 1,469 miles across the central United States. The river has played a significant role in the history of the region, serving as a vital transportation route for Native Americans and early settlers. Today, the Arkansas River is a major source of irrigation for crops and a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing and boating. The river is managed by a series of reservoirs and dams, including the John Martin Dam, the Kaw Dam, and the Keystone Dam. These structures help to regulate water flow and provide hydroelectric power. Despite its importance, the Arkansas River faces ongoing challenges, including pollution and water scarcity, which threaten the river's ecological health and the communities that depend on it.