USGS Streamgage 08290000
Rio Chama near Chamita, NM
Rio Chama near Chamita, NM is USGS streamgage 08290000 in New Mexico, monitoring river discharge in hydrologic subbasin 13020102. It drains a watershed of about 3,144 square miles. Discharge records at this site go back to 1912. Typical flow runs near 514.9 cfs in July and 713.1 cfs in April, with the higher of the two arriving in April.
Gauge details
- State
- New Mexico
- Drainage area
- 3,144 sq mi
- Gauge elevation
- 5,657 ft
- Subbasin (HUC-8)
- 13020102
- Coordinates
- 36.07356, -106.11169
- USGS site number
- 08290000
- Records begin
- 1912-10-01 (114 years)
Typical flow by month
Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 51 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 | 64.3 | 116.1 | 332.5 | |
| February | 68 | 123.9 | 393.4 | |
| March | 89.4 | 265.5 | 974.4 | |
| April | 264.7 | 713.1 | 2,104.7 | |
| May | 348.4 | 1,297.7 | 2,563.2 | |
| June | 179.2 | 889.1 | 1,931.7 | |
| July | 130.4 | 514.9 | 1,209 | |
| August | 97.4 | 487.3 | 894.5 | |
| September | 83.1 | 408.8 | 804.8 | |
| October | 70.2 | 214 | 628.1 | |
| November | 65.4 | 152.8 | 773.3 | |
| December | 71.6 | 182 | 770.9 |
All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Common questions
- When does Rio Chama near Chamita, NM normally run highest?
- May, on the long-term record. The median daily flow that month is about 1,297.7 cfs, against 116.1 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 near Chamita, NM?
- It depends on the month. In January, half of days historically fall near 116.1 cfs, with the middle 80% of days between 64.3 and 332.5 cfs. The month-by-month table on this page gives the full range.
- How long has Rio Chama near Chamita, NM been measured?
- Discharge records at USGS site 08290000 begin in 1912, about 114 years, covering roughly 8,086 days of published daily values. The long record is what makes the monthly percentiles on this page meaningful.
- Where is Rio Chama near Chamita, NM?
- The gauge sits at 36.07356, -106.11169, in New Mexico, in hydrologic subbasin 13020102, at an elevation of about 5,657 feet, draining roughly 3,144 square miles.
- Can I use Rio Chama near Chamita, 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.