CIMARRON RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 9, 2025


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Cimarron River was last observed at 1,306 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 2,591 acre-ft of water today; about 42% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 3,106 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-05-22 when daily discharge volume was observed at 217,928 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Cimarron River Near Guthrie reporting a streamflow rate of 409 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Cimarron River Near Dover with a gauge stage of 9.76 ft. This river is monitored from 12 different streamgauging stations along the Cimarron River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 8,643 ft, the Cimarron River Near Cimarron.

The Cimarron River is a 698-mile long river that flows from the northeastern corner of New Mexico through Oklahoma and into Kansas. The river has a rich history, having served as an important trade route for Native American tribes and early American settlers. Today, the river is used for irrigation, with several reservoirs and dams along its course, including the Ute Reservoir and the Conchas Dam. These reservoirs provide water for agricultural purposes and also offer recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Despite its importance to the region, the Cimarron River has experienced periods of drought and pollution, leading to concerns about its long-term sustainability.

Last Updated 2025-02-06
Discharge Volume 2,591 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,306.38 cfs
+6.2 cfs (+0.48%)
Percent of Normal 42.06%
Maximum 217,928.0 cfs
2019-05-22
Seasonal Avg 3,106 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Cimarron River Near Cimarron
USGS 09126000
25 cfs 1.08 ft 40.8
Cimarron River Below Eagle Nest Dam
USGS 07206000
1 cfs 0.22 ft 0
Cimarron River Bl Squaw Creek
USGS 09127000
64 cfs 8.02 ft 16.79
Cimarron River Near Cimarron
USGS 07207000
17 cfs 0.81 ft 0
Cimarron River Near Kenton
USGS 07154500
0 cfs 4.77 ft None
Cimarron River Near Forgan
USGS 07156900
11 cfs 1.9 ft 1.85
Cimarron R Near Buttermilk
USGS 07157740
44 cfs 8.29 ft 2.94
Cimarron River Near Buffalo
USGS 07157950
83 cfs 3.94 ft 1.92
Cimarron River Near Waynoka
USGS 07158000
104 cfs 6.04 ft 7.92
Cimarron River Near Dover
USGS 07159100
218 cfs 9.76 ft -1.72
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
USGS 07160000
409 cfs 5.99 ft 1.2
Cimarron River Near Ripley
USGS 07161450
379 cfs 7.26 ft -1.46
History of the River

The Cimarron River () extends 698 miles (1,123 km) across New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Kansas. The headwaters flow from Johnson Mesa west of Folsom in northeastern New Mexico. Much of the river's length lies in Oklahoma, where it either borders or passes through eleven counties. There are no major cities along its route. The river enters the Oklahoma Panhandle near Kenton, Oklahoma, crosses the southeastern corner of Colorado into Kansas, reenters the Oklahoma Panhandle, reenters Kansas, and finally returns to Oklahoma where it joins the Arkansas River at Keystone Reservoir west of Tulsa, Oklahoma, its only impoundment. The Cimarron drains a basin that encompasses about 18,927 square miles (49,020 km2).

       

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