WAKARUSA RIVER
Last Updated: May 10, 2026
Total streamflow across the
Wakarusa River
was last observed at
480
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
952
acre-ft of water today; about 254%
of normal.
River levels are high.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
189 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 440 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Wakarusa River, with a gauge stage of
7.3 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.
Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 2 streamgages of the Wakarusa River
15-Day Long Term Forecast
River Details
| Last Updated | 2026-05-09 |
| Discharge Volume | 952 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
480.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -8.2 cfs (-1.68%) |
| Percent of Normal | 253.79% |
| 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 |
40 cfs | 4.04 ft | -11.5 | |||||
|
Wakarusa R Nr Lawrence
USGS 06891500 |
440 cfs | 7.3 ft | -0.68 |
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.
Kinney Lake State Wildlife Area
Kinney Lake SWA
Hugo SWA Ponds
Karval Reservoir
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