CIMARRON RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 36,169 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 18,235.29 cfs
+7941.3 cfs (+77.15%)
Percent of Normal 827.45%
Maximum 217,928.0 cfs
2019-05-22
Seasonal Avg 2,204 cfs

Total streamflow across the Cimarron River was last observed at 18,235 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 36,169 acre-ft of water today; about 827% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,204 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 Ripley reporting a streamflow rate of 5,820 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Cimarron River Near Dover with a gauge stage of 13.38 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.

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
27 cfs 1.6 ft 21.62
Cimarron River Below Eagle Nest Dam
USGS 07206000
1 cfs 0.23 ft 0
Cimarron River Bl Squaw Creek
USGS 09127000
41 cfs 7.89 ft -2.68
Cimarron River Near Cimarron
USGS 07207000
12 cfs 1.12 ft -16.08
Cimarron River Near Kenton
USGS 07154500
0 cfs 4.62 ft None
Cimarron River Near Forgan
USGS 07156900
18 cfs 2.18 ft -14.47
Cimarron R Near Buttermilk
USGS 07157740
525 cfs 11.88 ft 56.57
Cimarron River Near Buffalo
USGS 07157950
1290 cfs 6.68 ft 97.18
Cimarron River Near Waynoka
USGS 07158000
977 cfs 7.41 ft -35.42
Cimarron River Near Dover
USGS 07159100
3820 cfs 13.38 ft 51.71
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
USGS 07160000
4110 cfs 9.46 ft 64.55
Cimarron River Near Ripley
USGS 07161450
5820 cfs 11.81 ft 203.64
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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Watershed River Levels

135

Cubic Feet Per Second

41

Cubic Feet Per Second

100

Cubic Feet Per Second

0

Cubic Feet Per Second