Rivermatics

USGS Streamgage 08279500

Rio Grande at Embudo, NM

Rio Grande at Embudo, NM is USGS streamgage 08279500 in New Mexico, monitoring river discharge in hydrologic subbasin 13020101. It drains a watershed of about 10,400 square miles. Discharge records at this site go back to 1889. Typical flow runs near 444.6 cfs in July and 698.9 cfs in April, with the higher of the two arriving in April.

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Gauge details

State
New Mexico
Drainage area
10,400 sq mi
Gauge elevation
5,789 ft
Subbasin (HUC-8)
13020101
Coordinates
36.20556, -105.96397
USGS site number
08279500
Records begin
1889-01-01 (137 years)

Typical flow by month

Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 96 years of data), averaged within each month. These describe the historical normal range — they are not a forecast and not today's reading.

Historical monthly discharge percentiles in cubic feet per second
Month Low p10 Typical p50 High p90 Range
January 372.6 492.7 627.5
February 423.3 555.9 740
March 443.2 661.3 1,058.6
April 328 698.9 1,846
May 320.5 1,277.6 4,303.9
June 273.1 1,012.8 4,413
July 206.7 444.6 1,726.9
August 205 339.1 787.8
September 203.5 294.8 584.9
October 224.9 337 671.5
November 273.7 490.5 853.3
December 340.9 507.5 678.4

All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).

Common questions

When does Rio Grande at Embudo, NM normally run highest?
May, on the long-term record. The median daily flow that month is about 1,277.6 cfs, against 294.8 cfs in September, 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 Grande at Embudo, NM?
It depends on the month. In January, half of days historically fall near 492.7 cfs, with the middle 80% of days between 372.6 and 627.5 cfs. The month-by-month table on this page gives the full range.
How long has Rio Grande at Embudo, NM been measured?
Discharge records at USGS site 08279500 begin in 1889, about 137 years, covering roughly 9,126 days of published daily values. The long record is what makes the monthly percentiles on this page meaningful.
Where is Rio Grande at Embudo, NM?
The gauge sits at 36.20556, -105.96397, in New Mexico, in hydrologic subbasin 13020101, at an elevation of about 5,789 feet, draining roughly 10,400 square miles.
Can I use Rio Grande at Embudo, 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.

Other gauges in this subbasin