Freeze Watch
2026-05-07T08:00:00-06:00

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 23 possible. * WHERE...Portions of east central, north central, and northeast Colorado. * WHEN...From Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

WICHITA RIVER

Last Updated: May 4, 2026

Total streamflow across the Wichita River was last observed at 42 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 84 acre-ft of water today; about 2% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,238 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2025-04-27 when daily discharge volume was observed at 10,500 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Wichita Rv Nr Charlie reporting a streamflow rate of 1,850 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Wichita Rv Nr Seymour with a gauge stage of 7.1 ft. This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the Wichita River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,174 ft, the Wichita Rv Nr Seymour.

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 5 streamgages of the Wichita River


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-05-04
Discharge Volume 84 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 42.22 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -3.22 cfs (-7.09%)
Percent of Normal 1.89%
Maximum 10,500.0 cfs
2025-04-27
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Wichita Rv Nr Seymour
USGS 07311900
8 cfs 7.1 ft -8.14
Wichita Rv Nr Mabelle
USGS 07312100
0 cfs 1 ft None
Wichita Rv At Fm 368 Nr Iowa Park
USGS 07312330
1220 cfs 6.49 ft
Wichita Rv At Wichita Falls
USGS 07312500
34 cfs 2.11 ft -6.83
Wichita Rv Nr Charlie
USGS 07312700
1850 cfs 5.18 ft
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The river is approximately 176 miles in length and has a drainage basin of 2,989 square miles. The river was historically important for transportation, as it was used for trading and shipping goods. The river's hydrology has been affected by human activity, including the construction of dams and reservoirs like the Lake Wichita Reservoir and the Lake Arrowhead Dam. These reservoirs serve as sources of drinking water for nearby communities and provide recreational opportunities like fishing and boating. Agriculture is also an important use of the Wichita River basin, with crops like cotton and wheat being grown in the area. Despite its importance to the region, the Wichita River has faced challenges related to pollution and drought in recent years.