Summary
Total streamflow across the
Wakarusa River
was last observed at
18
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
36
acre-ft of water today; about 110%
of normal.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
16 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2025-06-04 when daily discharge volume was observed at
5,670 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Wakarusa R Nr Lawrence
reporting a streamflow rate of 12.9 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Wakarusa River, with a gauge stage of
4.28 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Wakarusa River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 898 ft, the
Wakarusa R Nr Richland.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-04 |
| Discharge Volume | 36 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
18.16 cfs
-5.88 cfs (-24.46%) |
| Percent of Normal | 110.23% |
| Maximum |
5,670.0 cfs
2025-06-04 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wakarusa R Nr Richland
USGS 06891260 |
5 cfs | 3.81 ft | -39.12 | |||||
|
Wakarusa R Nr Lawrence
USGS 06891500 |
13 cfs | 4.28 ft | -16.23 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
The river's headwaters are located in Douglas County, and it flows through Shawnee and Osage Counties before joining the Kansas River. The river has a history of flooding, which has been mitigated through the construction of various reservoirs and dams, including the Clinton Lake and the Pomona Lake. The river's hydrology has been affected by agricultural practices, such as the conversion of wetlands to farmland, and by urban expansion. The river is important for recreational activities, including fishing and boating, and for agricultural uses, such as irrigation and livestock watering. However, water quality and quantity issues have been a concern for these uses.