CANADIAN RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 17,058 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 8,599.9 cfs
-4416.3 cfs (-33.93%)
Percent of Normal 275.93%
Maximum 317,535.0 cfs
2015-05-26
Seasonal Avg 3,117 cfs

Total streamflow across the Canadian River was last observed at 8,600 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 17,058 acre-ft of water today; about 276% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 3,117 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2015-05-26 when daily discharge volume was observed at 317,535 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Canadian River Near Whitefield reporting a streamflow rate of 4,170 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Canadian River At Norman with a gauge stage of 87.18 ft. This river is monitored from 10 different streamgauging stations along the Canadian River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 5,648 ft, the Canadian River Near Taylor Springs.

The Canadian River is a major river in the southern Great Plains of North America, flowing eastward from Colorado and New Mexico into Texas and Oklahoma. The river is approximately 906 miles long and was named by Spanish explorers after an encounter with indigenous tribes. The Canadian River has been a vital source of water for irrigation and agriculture for centuries. Today, the river provides water for many communities, including the cities of Oklahoma City and Amarillo. Notable reservoirs along the river include Ute Lake, Conchas Lake, and Lake Meredith. The riverside also serves as a popular recreational destination, with opportunities for camping, fishing, and boating. However, the Canadian River has also been subject to drought and water management issues, leading to conflicts over water rights between states and users.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Canadian River Near Taylor Springs
USGS 07211500
19 cfs 3.71 ft -14.73
Canadian River Near Sanchez
USGS 07221500
288 cfs 3.11 ft -10.81
Canadian River At Logan
USGS 07227000
4 cfs 1.17 ft -21.08
Canadian Rv Nr Amarillo
USGS 07227500
260 cfs 2.1 ft -51.04
Canadian Rv Nr Canadian
USGS 07228000
278 cfs 3.11 ft -14.69
Canadian River At Bridgeport
USGS 07228500
45 cfs 8.75 ft -32.29
Canadian River At Norman
USGS 07229050
459 cfs 87.18 ft -17.69
Canadian River At Purcell
USGS 07229200
907 cfs 4.37 ft -32.61
Canadian River At Calvin
USGS 07231500
2470 cfs 8.18 ft -22.92
Canadian River Near Whitefield
USGS 07245000
4170 cfs 3.76 ft -93.54
History of the River

The Canadian River is the longest tributary of the Arkansas River in the United States. It is about 906 miles (1,458 km) long, starting in Colorado and traveling through New Mexico, the Texas Panhandle, and Oklahoma. The drainage area is about 47,700 square miles (124,000 km2).The Canadian is sometimes referred to as the South Canadian River to differentiate it from the North Canadian River that flows into it.

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Watershed River Levels

242

Cubic Feet Per Second

3

Cubic Feet Per Second

-999

Cubic Feet Per Second

72

Cubic Feet Per Second