USGS Streamgage 08281400
Rio Chama above Chama, NM
Rio Chama above Chama, NM is USGS streamgage 08281400 in New Mexico, monitoring river discharge in hydrologic subbasin 13020102. It drains a watershed of about 95 square miles. Discharge records at this site go back to 2014. Typical flow runs near 60.5 cfs in July and 227.8 cfs in April, with the higher of the two arriving in April.
Gauge details
- State
- New Mexico
- Drainage area
- 95 sq mi
- Gauge elevation
- 8,024 ft
- Subbasin (HUC-8)
- 13020102
- Coordinates
- 36.93496, -106.55521
- USGS site number
- 08281400
- Records begin
- 2014-08-20 (12 years)
Typical flow by month
Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 12 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 | — | 44.1 | — | |
| February | — | 46.4 | — | |
| March | — | 159.3 | — | |
| April | 146 | 227.8 | 778 | |
| May | 150.8 | 276.6 | 1,009.8 | |
| June | 46.3 | 161.7 | 749.5 | |
| July | 19.8 | 60.5 | 158.6 | |
| August | 10.1 | 36 | 87 | |
| September | 13.5 | 27.7 | 60.9 | |
| October | 15.5 | 30.7 | 105.7 | |
| November | — | 27 | — | |
| December | — | 47.1 | — |
All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Common questions
- When does Rio Chama above Chama, NM normally run highest?
- May, on the long-term record. The median daily flow that month is about 276.6 cfs, against 27 cfs in November, 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 Chama, NM?
- It depends on the month. In April, half of days historically fall near 227.8 cfs, with the middle 80% of days between 146 and 778 cfs. The month-by-month table on this page gives the full range.
- How long has Rio Chama above Chama, NM been measured?
- Discharge records at USGS site 08281400 begin in 2014, about 12 years, covering roughly 2,357 days of published daily values. The long record is what makes the monthly percentiles on this page meaningful.
- Where is Rio Chama above Chama, NM?
- The gauge sits at 36.93496, -106.55521, in New Mexico, in hydrologic subbasin 13020102, at an elevation of about 8,024 feet, draining roughly 95 square miles.
- Can I use Rio Chama above Chama, 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.