Tarkio River River Levels

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

The Tarkio River, located in the northwestern part of Missouri, has a total length of approximately 84 miles.


Summary

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Tarkio River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Tarkio River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .

       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Tarkio River At Fairfax Mo
USGS 06813000
140 cfs 6.37 ft 44.33
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Tarkio River (also known as the Big Tarkio River) is a non-navigable river that stretches for approximately 140 miles (225 km) from Cass County, Iowa to its mouth on the Missouri River in Holt County, Missouri.
The river basin which drains approximately 508 square miles (1,316 km2) is sandwiched between the Nishnabotna River to the west and the Nodaway River to the east.
The name "Tarkio" is from a Native American word meaning "place where walnuts grow".The river passes rural areas and figures most prominently in the drainage system nears its mouth in management of Big Lake, Missouri and the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Several streams and ditches in the Missouri River bottoms near its mouth contain the Tarkio name.