Total streamflow across the Marmaton River was last observed at 43 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 84 acre-ft of water today; about 9% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 467 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-05-22 when daily discharge volume was observed at 39,650 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Marmaton River Near Nevada reporting a streamflow rate of 27.3 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Marmaton R Nr Fort Scott with a gauge stage of 7.02 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Marmaton River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 881 ft, the Marmaton R Nr Uniontown.

The Marmaton River is a tributary of the Little Osage River and spans approximately 102 miles in length, flowing through southeastern Kansas and southwestern Missouri. The river originates in western Missouri and flows through Bourbon and Crawford counties in Kansas before joining the Little Osage River near Fort Scott, Kansas. The river has a rich history, being named after a Native American tribe that inhabited the area. The river is utilized for agricultural purposes, and several dams and reservoirs have been constructed on the river, including the Marmaton Reservoir, which provides irrigation for local farmers. The river also provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and camping for visitors. The hydrology of the river is characterized by seasonal fluctuations in flow due to precipitation patterns in the region.