USGS Streamgage 08286500
Rio Chama above Abiquiu Reservoir, NM
Rio Chama above Abiquiu Reservoir, NM is USGS streamgage 08286500 in New Mexico, monitoring river discharge in hydrologic subbasin 13020102. It drains a watershed of about 1,600 square miles. Discharge records at this site go back to 1961. Typical flow runs near 452.5 cfs in July and 536.3 cfs in April, with the higher of the two arriving in April.
Gauge details
- State
- New Mexico
- Drainage area
- 1,600 sq mi
- Gauge elevation
- 6,280 ft
- Subbasin (HUC-8)
- 13020102
- Coordinates
- 36.31882, -106.59953
- USGS site number
- 08286500
- Records begin
- 1961-08-01 (65 years)
Typical flow by month
Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 55 years of data), averaged within each month. These describe the historical normal range — they are not a forecast and not today's reading.
| Month | Low p10 | Typical p50 | High p90 | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36.5 | 111.3 | 254.5 | |
| February | 41.8 | 120.1 | 377.1 | |
| March | 76.6 | 196.8 | 655.5 | |
| April | 145.1 | 536.3 | 1,796.2 | |
| May | 305.5 | 1,066.4 | 3,255.5 | |
| June | 189.8 | 660.1 | 1,484.3 | |
| July | 120.7 | 452.5 | 870.6 | |
| August | 89.1 | 453.3 | 881.3 | |
| September | 69.6 | 367.3 | 810.8 | |
| October | 61.2 | 160.3 | 490.5 | |
| November | 56.4 | 142.7 | 452.5 | |
| December | 60.5 | 180.5 | 602.6 |
All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Common questions
- When does Rio Chama above Abiquiu Reservoir, NM normally run highest?
- May, on the long-term record. The median daily flow that month is about 1,066.4 cfs, against 111.3 cfs in January, the lowest month. These are historical normals for the date, not a forecast and not today's reading.
- What is a normal flow for Rio Chama above Abiquiu Reservoir, NM?
- It depends on the month. In January, half of days historically fall near 111.3 cfs, with the middle 80% of days between 36.5 and 254.5 cfs. The month-by-month table on this page gives the full range.
- How long has Rio Chama above Abiquiu Reservoir, NM been measured?
- Discharge records at USGS site 08286500 begin in 1961, about 65 years, covering roughly 9,071 days of published daily values. The long record is what makes the monthly percentiles on this page meaningful.
- Where is Rio Chama above Abiquiu Reservoir, NM?
- The gauge sits at 36.31882, -106.59953, in New Mexico, in hydrologic subbasin 13020102, at an elevation of about 6,280 feet, draining roughly 1,600 square miles.
- Can I use Rio Chama above Abiquiu Reservoir, NM data for flood or safety decisions?
- No. Rivermatics provides estimates, not guarantees, and the readings and forecasts here may be delayed, inaccurate, or wrong. Do not use them for navigation or for any safety, rescue, or emergency decision. Check the National Weather Service and USGS directly, and use your own judgment.