06/22/2026
River Watch:
Due to recent heavy rains in the area, the Salt Fork River is currently very elevated.
The Chikaskia River feeds into the Salt Fork and it has reached a major flood stage at 33.75ft. (Record is 35.4ft) However it is showing signs of cresting and should begin to lower over night.
The Salt Fork River is currently showing 18.19 and is expected to reach 18.5 before lowering.
The good news is that Kaw Lake is not releasing water into the Arkansas River. This should allow the Salt Fork to drain without being backed out by Kaw Lake.
Now, here’s where you come in. I do not know at what point the Salt Fork will breach the park. Right now, it looks like there’s another 6-7 feet elevation before it will begin flooding the park. Although it appears be lowering upstream of the park, the local river may still rise into the evening as it is delayed.
What you should do is be prepared to pull up to higher elevation. Please prepare by gathering any personable effects and hitch your vehicle to your trailer in case you need to move out of the water’s way.
I do not expect it to get into the park, but it is close. Let’s hope that any rain expectations do not come to fruition in the next day or two to allow the waters to recede back to non-threatening levels.
