What is the current water flow rate of L Arkansas River?

Current discharge for L Arkansas River is measured in cubic feet per second (CFS) at USGS station #07143600 near L Arkansas River near Little River, Kansas. The baseline flow for this section is ~871 CFS.

Is L Arkansas River safe for tubing and kayaking today?

Floatability conditions depend on live flow rates and gauge depth. Riverable provides a real-time 1–10 Floatability Score calibrated specifically for tubes, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Check the live status badge above before heading out.

L Arkansas River Flow & Floatability Conditions

Real-time USGS streamflow discharge in cubic feet per second (CFS), river gage depth, ambient water temperature, and craft-specific floatability ratings near L Arkansas River near Little River, Kansas.

Kansas · USGS #07143600Live USGS Streamgage· Updated 4m ago

L Arkansas River

near L Arkansas River near Little River

📍 Map & River Access38.41° N

FLOATABILITY INDEX⏱Profile: Leisure Tubing

6.5OUT OF 10Swift / Active Current

⚡HIGH WATER SURGE (CAUTION)

Fast-moving current; requires steering around strainers

💡Paddle Advisory:

Experienced paddlers will enjoy the swift pace. Tubers should wear PFDs.

Minimum Rec: 150 cfs+721 cfs Above Min

DISCHARGE FLOW

871 cfs

Median: 871 CFS

Est. Baseflow↑ 0% median

GAGE HEIGHT

3.90 ft

Flood action: 10.92 ft

Water StageSteady (0.01'/h)

WATER TEMP

45° F

Wetsuit/dry: Advised (<50°)

Immersion...Cold Shock

AIR & SKY

51° F

Humidity: 48% · Clear

Rain: 2%6mph NW

Select Activity Profile to Recalibrate Scoring

Dynamic score calculation adjusts thresholds according to watercraft draft, hull clearance, and flow rate.

Active: Leisure Tubing (150–600 CFS)

Lazy summer river floats & family tubing. Ideal flow 150–600 CFS, warm sunshine, minimal rapids.

Updated with USGS 15m polling

24-Hour Streamflow Hydrograph (CFS)

Discharge telemetry vs. 30-year historical median

Observed Flow

Min Safe Float (150 CFS)

24 Hours Ago12 Hours AgoLive Sensor (871 cfs)

River Access & Scout Reports

Field verified river miles & access status

6.4 mi FloatEst: 3.5 hrs

L Arkansas River near Little River (Mile 0.0)

Paved concrete ramp • Free parking (12 slots) • Easy put-in

Open

Mile 2.4 - Exposed Gravel BarCaution

Clear navigation channel on river left bend

Passable

Explore Complete Access Map & GPS Take-outs →

🌊 Watershed Telemetry

About L Arkansas River Hydrology & Flow Dynamics

The L Arkansas River monitoring station (USGS Gauge #07143600) is positioned at latitude 38.413° and longitude -98.017° near L Arkansas River near Little River, serving as a vital streamflow telemetry reference for recreational paddlers, tubers, anglers, and water resource managers in Kansas at an elevation of 1570 ft above sea level.

Streamflow discharge on L Arkansas River fluctuates based on seasonal precipitation, upstream reservoir releases, groundwater spring baseflows, and watershed snowpack runoff. Typical baseline discharge averages around ~871 CFS with typical river depths near 3.9 ft. Instantaneous discharge is measured in Cubic Feet per Second (CFS)—where 1 CFS equates to approximately 7.48 gallons (28.3 liters) of water rushing past the sensor each second.

Riverable continuously ingests 15-minute telemetry from the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) and compares instantaneous volume against calibrated floatability ratings and safety thresholds.

🛟 Craft Guide

L Arkansas River Flow Sweet Spots by Activity

Different paddlecraft require different water volumes to float comfortably without scraping gravel bars or facing hazardous hydraulics.

🛟

Leisure Tubing

150 – 500 CFS

Gentle current with sufficient depth over riffles. Below 150 CFS expect frequent bottom scraping; above 600 CFS currents create entrapment risks.

🛶

Rec Kayak & Canoe

250 – 1,200 CFS

Optimal paddling flow with responsive tracking and easy maneuvering around gravel shoals, rock gardens, and gentle river bends.

⚡

Whitewater & Raft

800 – 3,500+ CFS

Swift continuous currents, wave trains, and surging hydraulic features. Requires spray skirts, helmets, and intermediate-to-advanced river maneuvering skills.

🎣

Fly Fishing & Wading

100 – 600 CFS

Safe wading velocities and accessible bank pockets. High flows over 800 CFS make cross-river wading unsafe and cloud water clarity.

⚠️ River Safety Guidelines

Essential Paddling & Tubing Checklist for L Arkansas River

🦺 1. Wear a USCG-Approved PFD

Submerged strainers, unexpected drop-offs, and swift underwater hydraulics can overpower strong swimmers. Always wear a properly fitted life jacket.

🌡️ 2. Cold Water Shock Awareness

Water temperatures below 60°F (15.5°C) can trigger involuntary gasp reflexes and rapid muscle incapacitation. Check live water temp before launching.

🪵 3. Watch for Strainers & Log Jams

Fallen trees and branches allow water to pass through while trapping watercraft against obstacles. Give outer river bends wide berth.

☀️ 4. Hydration & Sun Protection

Water surface reflection intensifies UV radiation exposure. Carry at least 1 liter of potable drinking water per person for every 2 hours on the river.

❓ FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About L Arkansas River

How fast does water flow on L Arkansas River?

River speed depends on discharge (CFS) and gradient. In general, typical floating speeds range from 1.5 to 2.5 mph in inner tubes and 3 to 4.5 mph in recreational kayaks.

How often is the flow data refreshed for Station #07143600?

The USGS satellite telemetry system polls sensor probes and transmits instantaneous discharge and gage height readings every 15 minutes.

Can rain in the watershed cause L Arkansas River to flood?

Yes. Heavy rain events within the upstream drainage basin can cause rapid streamflow surges hours after a storm. Always check our 7-Day Rainfall Forecast tab before heading out.

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