Rivers in Kansas
Cowskin Creek at Wichita 119th St
Below flood stage
6.68ftStage
Observed Thu, Sep 24, 9:30 AM CDT
- Flood stage
- 18.00 ft
- Record crest
- 22.00 ft1998
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 24.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 22.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 18.00 ft |
| Action | 16.00 ft |
- 24.00 ftMajor flooding of homes and businesses is likely along the path of the creek. This would especially be true to homes around 119th St to south of 13th St and then around Central mainly to the west of Maize Rd. Expect widespread road closures across northwest Wichita. Water from the Cowskin Creek may backup into Calfskin and Dry Creeks and cause additional flooding of residences along these creeks.
- 22.00 ftWater levels will be encroacing on area residential structures and many roads will likely be closed across northwest Wichita. Water from Calfskin and Dry Creeks could backup into residential yards and some structures may be flooded at their lowest levels. Businesses west of Maize Road, to the north and south of Central, will likely take on water.
- 20.00 ftFlood waters of about 2 feet in depth cover sections of Maize Road just to the south of Central. Flood waters flow over 13th Street in the low water spot about a half mile west of 119th Street. Expect road closures. The few houses on the north side of 21st Street, along the east bank of the creek may see flood waters encroach near their homes.
- 18.00 ftFlood waters backup into residential yards southeast of river gage site along Lost Creek Circle and southeast of Central and Karren Streets. Flood waters begin to creep over 13th street in the low water spot about a half mile west of 119th Street. Expect typical flooding of low water crossings and low cropland areas as well as fields near the creek.
- 15.00 ftMany sections along the creek will see minor bank overflows.
- 13.50 ftMinor bank overflows occur further downstream near Kellogg Road area.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 12% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 24, 2026.
Crest history
46 crests on NOAA’s list since 1998.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 31, 1998 | 22.00 ft |
| 2 | April 27, 2009 | 20.77 ft |
| 3 | September 13, 2008 | 20.72 ft |
| 4 | October 9, 2003 | 20.13 ft |
| 5 | June 18, 2025 | 20.12 ft |
| 6 | May 8, 2019 | 20.04 ft |
| 7 | June 26, 2026 | 19.89 ft |
| 8 | August 29, 2005 | 19.88 ft |
| 9 | September 9, 2009 | 19.87 ft |
| 10 | June 14, 2010 | 19.84 ft |
| 11 | July 3, 2016 | 19.82 ft |
| 12 | July 3, 2016 | 19.80 ft |
| 13 | June 16, 2015 | 19.77 ft |
| 14 | May 22, 2019 | 19.64 ft |
| 15 | September 10, 2016 | 19.55 ft |
| 16 | May 14, 2004 | 19.48 ft |
| 17 | October 10, 2018 | 19.43 ft |
| 18 | March 5, 2004 | 19.35 ft |
| 19 | July 5, 2010 | 19.32 ft |
| 20 | June 4, 2025 | 19.21 ft |
| 21 | May 12, 2017 | 19.16 ft |
| 22 | July 5, 2004 | 19.02 ft |
| 23 | May 17, 2015 | 18.97 ft |
| 24 | May 28, 2008 | 18.85 ft |
| 25 | June 7, 2025 | 18.47 ft |
Most recent crests
- June 26, 2026: 19.89 ft
- June 18, 2025: 20.12 ft
- June 7, 2025: 18.47 ft
- June 4, 2025: 19.21 ft
- November 3, 2024: 16.48 ft
- October 25, 2023: 12.82 ft
- June 2, 2022: 18.07 ft
- March 23, 2021: 16.06 ft
- May 13, 2020: 13.59 ft
- June 24, 2019: 17.25 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
Forecasts by the Arkansas-Red Basin RFC. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available. River forecasts for this location take into account past and future precipitation. Forecast stages may be different if forecast future rainfall does not occur. Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.
Sources
Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.