Cimarron River near Perkins
Oklahoma — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Payne County, Oklahoma on the Cimarron River. Live water level data from USGS, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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This is an NWS forecast point (LID: PRKO2). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
Flood Stages
Major Flood
22 ft
Moderate Flood
20 ft
Minor Flood
17 ft
Action Stage
16 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
28 ft
The Cimarron River valley in Payne County could suffer worse damages than from the great floods in October of 1986 and May 1957. Flood depths up to 11 feet devastate rural lands... oil fields... and other properties... Overflows continue... from many hours before to many hours after the crest passes Perkins. Floodwaters close U.S. Highway 177 south of Perkins.
27 ft
The Cimarron River valley in Payne County could suffer worse damages than from the great floods in October 1986 and May 1957. Flood depths up to 10 feet devastate rural lands... oil fields... and other properties. Overflows continue from many hours before to many hours after the crest passes Perkins. Floodwaters close U.S. Highway 177 south of Perkins.
26 ft
The Cimarron River valley in Payne County experiences water levels within a foot of the great flood of October 1986... and higher than the flood in May 1957... when the railroad line was destroyed between Guthrie and Perkins. Flood depths up to 9 feet inundate rural areas... from many hours before to many hours after the crest passes Perkins. Floodwaters close U.S. Highway 177 south of Perkins.
25 ft
The Cimarron River valley in Payne County is covered by flood depths averaging 8 feet... worse than the flooding which occurred in May 1957... which destroyed the railroad line between Guthrie and Perkins. Rural lands and roads located near the river banks are inundated... from many hours before to many hours after the crest passes Perkins. Floodwaters close U.S. Highway 177 south of Perkins.
24 ft
The Cimarron River valley in Payne County is covered by flood depths near 7 feet... nearly like the flood in May 1957... which destroyed the railroad line between Guthrie and Perkins. Rural lands and roads located near the river banks are inundated... from many hours before to many hours after the crest passes Perkins. Floodwaters close U.S. Highway 177 south of Perkins.
23 ft
The Cimarron River valley in Payne County is covered by flood depths averaging 6 feet... with very hazardous currents. Agricultural lands... oil wells... and water wells located near the river banks are inundated... from many hours before to many hours after the crest passes Perkins. High water closes U.S. Highway 177 south of Perkins.
22 ft
The Cimarron River valley in Payne County is covered by flood depths averaging 5 feet... with very hazardous currents. Agricultural lands... oil wells... and water wells located near the river banks are inundated... from many hours before to many hours after the crest passes Perkins. High water closes U.S. Highway 177 south of Perkins.
21 ft
The Cimarron River valley in Payne County is covered by flood depths averaging 4 feet... with hazardous currents. Agricultural lands... oil wells... and water wells located near the river banks are inundated or cut off... from several hours before to several hours after the crest passes Perkins. High water closes U.S. Highway 177 south of Perkins.
20 ft
The Cimarron River valley in Payne County is covered by flood depths averaging 3 feet... with hazardous currents. Agricultural lands... oil wells... and water wells located near the river banks are inundated or cut off... several hours before and after the crest passes Perkins. Water overtops and may close U.S. Highway 177 south of Perkins.
19.5 ft
Places along the Cimarron River valley in Payne County are covered by flood depths averaging over 2 feet. Agricultural lands... oil wells... and water wells located near the river banks are inundated or cut off... for several hours... by water in side channels. Water overtops the roadway of U.S. Highway 177 south of Perkins... making crossing there hazardous.
19 ft
Places along the Cimarron River valley in Payne County are covered by flood depths averaging 2 feet. Agricultural lands... oil wells... and water wells located near the river banks are inundated or cut off for several hours... by water in side channels.
18.5 ft
Places along the Cimarron River valley in Payne County are briefly flooded. Agricultural lands and oil wells located near the river banks are inundated or cut off by water in side channels.
18 ft
Places along the Cimarron River valley in Payne County are briefly flooded. Agricultural lands and oil wells located near the river banks are inundated or cut off by water in side channels.
17.5 ft
Places along the Cimarron River valley in Payne County are briefly flooded. Agricultural lands and oil wells located near the river banks are isolated by water in cutoff channels along the valley. No major roads are threatened.
17 ft
Places along the Cimarron River valley in Payne County are briefly flooded. Agricultural lands and oil wells located near the channel are isolated by water in cutoff channels along the valley. No major roads are threatened.
16 ft
Expect the Cimarron River to reach bankfull levels through Payne County. Small areas of agricultural land and oil wells located near the channel are isolated by water in cutoff channels along the river valley. No major roads are threatened.
15 ft
Expect the Cimarron River to remain mostly within its banks through Payne County. Small areas of agricultural land and oil wells located near the channel are isolated by water in cutoff channels along the valley. No major roads are river threatened.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 4, 1986 | 26.75 ft | 162,000 cfs |
| Oct 4, 1986 | 26.75 ft | 162,000 cfs |
| May 16, 1957 | 24.53 ft | 149,000 cfs |
| May 16, 1957 | 24.53 ft | 149,000 cfs |
| Jun 20, 1935 | 23 ft | 100,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
PRKO2
River
Cimarron River
County
Payne, OK
Coordinates
35.9592°N, 97.0325°W
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Cimarron River near Perkins?
The Cimarron River near Perkins gauge is maintained by USGS and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Cimarron River near Perkins?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Cimarron River near Perkins is 17 feet. Action stage begins at 16 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 20 feet, and major flooding at 22 feet.
How do I get alerts when Cimarron River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Cimarron River near Perkins to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Cimarron River near Perkins gauge located?
The gauge is located in Payne County, Oklahoma at coordinates 35.9592°N, 97.0325°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.