Rivers in Kansas
Arkansas River at Coolidge
Below flood stage
1.63ftStage
Observed Tue, Sep 22, 1:15 AM MDT
- Flood stage
- 8.00 ft
- Record crest
- 14.80 ft1965
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 12.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 10.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 8.00 ft |
| Action | 7.00 ft |
- 17.00 ftExpect near-record flooding along the Arkansas River from the state line to Medway, KS. The approaches to the river bridge south of Coolidge are in danger of overtopping. Floodwaters will inundate lowlands along the river south of the ATSF railroad tracks and flood farm houses and roads near the river. Flood waters 7 to 9 feet deep in places are possible.
- 10.00 ftExpect moderate flooding along the Arkansas River. Areas south of the river between the CO-KS state line and Medway, KS. Will be flooded with water up to 2 feet deep in some places. Flow over the road north of the bridge will begin when river rises to 10.1 feet. Flow over the road south of the gage will occur at a gage height of 11.0 feet.
- 9.00 ftExpect flooding of 1 to 2 feet along the Arkansas River from Coolidge to Medway. The road south of Coolidge which crosses the Arkansas River will begin to flood at a river stage between 9 to 10 feet.
- 8.00 ftExpect minor flooding in pastureland and farmland adjacent to the river. Low water areas along the unpaved River Road south of the Arkansas River will have water over the road... Exercise extreme caution.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 10% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 21, 2026.
Crest history
60 crests on NOAA’s list since 1951.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 17, 1965 | 14.80 ft |
| 2 | May 15, 1951 | 10.67 ft |
| 3 | July 16, 1984 | 8.88 ft |
| 4 | August 17, 2015 | 8.85 ft |
| 5 | May 6, 1999 | 8.62 ft |
| 6 | May 30, 1964 | 8.60 ft |
| 7 | June 30, 1987 | 8.44 ft |
| 8 | May 16, 1957 | 8.35 ft |
| 9 | August 14, 1997 | 8.25 ft |
| 10 | June 4, 1978 | 8.22 ft |
| 11 | May 26, 1987 | 8.20 ft |
| 12 | May 20, 1955 | 8.08 ft |
| 13 | August 2, 1998 | 8.00 ft |
| 14 | July 25, 1995 | 7.95 ft |
| 15 | August 7, 1954 | 7.67 ft |
| 16 | July 1, 2016 | 7.59 ft |
| 17 | July 28, 2018 | 7.51 ft |
| 18 | August 2, 1986 | 7.41 ft |
| 19 | August 20, 1956 | 7.40 ft |
| 20 | July 6, 2002 | 7.32 ft |
| 21 | August 24, 1972 | 7.20 ft |
| 22 | July 31, 2014 | 7.16 ft |
| 23 | August 2, 1976 | 7.14 ft |
| 24 | August 17, 1992 | 7.13 ft |
| 25 | June 28, 1975 | 6.95 ft |
Most recent crests
- July 28, 2018: 7.51 ft
- July 1, 2016: 7.59 ft
- August 17, 2015: 8.85 ft
- July 31, 2014: 7.16 ft
- July 10, 2006: 5.15 ft
- June 21, 2004: 6.39 ft
- June 14, 2003: 3.32 ft
- July 6, 2002: 7.32 ft
- July 15, 2001: 6.29 ft
- July 18, 2000: 6.18 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. 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.