WASHITA RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 16,598 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 8,367.9 cfs
-7717.0 cfs (-47.98%)
Percent of Normal 534.42%
Maximum 171,127.0 cfs
2015-06-18
Seasonal Avg 1,566 cfs

Total streamflow across the Washita River was last observed at 8,368 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 16,598 acre-ft of water today; about 534% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,566 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2015-06-18 when daily discharge volume was observed at 171,127 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Washita River Near Dickson reporting a streamflow rate of 2,800 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Washita River, with a gauge stage of 10.9 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 8 different streamgauging stations along the Washita River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,915 ft, the Washita River Near Cheyenne.

The Washita River is a river in the south-central United States that runs through Oklahoma and Texas. It is approximately 295 miles long and has a drainage basin of 23,040 square miles. The river is named after the Washita Native American tribe who once inhabited the area. The hydrology of the river is characterized by seasonal variations in flow due to precipitation and drought conditions. The Lake Texoma Dam on the Washita River is a major source of hydroelectric power and provides water for irrigation and recreation. Other notable reservoirs on the river include the Foss Reservoir and the Fort Cobb Reservoir. The Washita River is used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. It also supports agricultural activities like crop irrigation and livestock watering.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Washita River Near Cheyenne
USGS 07316500
21 cfs 6.97 ft 72.29
Washita River Near Hammon
USGS 07324200
11 cfs 7.8 ft -30.83
Washita River Near Foss
USGS 07324400
12 cfs 6.66 ft -58.95
Washita River Near Clinton
USGS 07325000
56 cfs 5.31 ft -51.75
Washita River At Anadarko
USGS 07326500
1810 cfs 10.89 ft 644.62
Washita River At Alex
USGS 07328100
1910 cfs 4.9 ft -38.97
Washita River Near Pauls Valley
USGS 07328500
786 cfs 6.22 ft 4.69
Washita River Near Dickson
USGS 07331000
2800 cfs 10.9 ft -72.05
History of the River

The Battle of Washita River (also called Battle of the Washita or the Washita Massacre) occurred on November 27, 1868 when Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer’s 7th U.S. Cavalry attacked Black Kettle’s Southern Cheyenne camp on the Washita River (near present-day Cheyenne, Oklahoma).
They were the most isolated band of a major winter encampment along the river of numerous Native American tribal bands, totaling thousands of people. But Custer's forces attacked their village because scouts had followed the trail of a party that had raided white settlers and passed through it. Black Kettle and his people had been at peace and were seeking peace. Custer's soldiers killed women and children in addition to warriors, although they also took many captive to serve as hostages and human shields. The number of Cheyenne killed in the attack has been disputed since the first reports.

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Watershed River Levels

10

Cubic Feet Per Second

50

Cubic Feet Per Second

578

Cubic Feet Per Second

395

Cubic Feet Per Second