What water level is good for paddling Cossatot River — below Gillham Dam to DeQueen?

We don't yet have a published runnable range for this section, so we can't give a firm number. Check the live USGS gauge and ask a local outfitter before you go.

How do I check Cossatot River levels?

We read USGS gauge 07340500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Cossatot River — below Gillham Dam to DeQueen good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Cossatot River here?

Typically March–July, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Cossatot River — below Gillham Dam to DeQueen?

This reach is about 6 miles, roughly 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Cossatot River — below Gillham Dam to DeQueen: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class I6 mi · ~3 hrCossatot RiverArkansas

Verdict · updated Aug 25, 12:00 PM UTC

No runnable range yet

We don’t have a runnable range for this section yet — many of these are calm or dam-controlled reaches. Here’s the current gauge reading; check it (and, for tailwaters, the dam’s generation schedule) before you go.

Estimated range

1.5 ft

USGS gauge 07340500

Paddling below Gillham Dam to DeQueen

Cossatot River below Gillham Dam to DeQueen is a 6-mile Class I run in Arkansas — easygoing moving water with light riffles and nothing technical. Most paddlers put in at Gillham Dam Access and take out at Hwy 4 near DeQueen, a trip that runs about 3 hours at a relaxed pace.

We track USGS gauge 07340500 for this reach, but there isn't a published runnable range for it yet, so we won't invent a firm number. Use the live reading and 7-day trend above to see whether the Cossatot River is rising or falling, and check with a local outfitter or paddling club before you commit to a launch.

Flows here are usually most dependable March–July. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

7-day flow trend is unavailable for this gauge right now.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class I
Length: 6 mi
Float time: ~3 hr
Best months: March–July
Put-in: Gillham Dam Access
Take-out: Hwy 4 near DeQueen

Reading USGS gauge 07340500 — Cossatot River near DeQueen, AR ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Cossatot River — below Gillham Dam to DeQueen?: We don't yet have a published runnable range for this section, so we can't give a firm number. Check the live USGS gauge and ask a local outfitter before you go.
How do I check Cossatot River levels?: We read USGS gauge 07340500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Cossatot River — below Gillham Dam to DeQueen good for beginners?: This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Cossatot River here?: Typically March–July, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Cossatot River — below Gillham Dam to DeQueen?: This reach is about 6 miles, roughly 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

No reading