Rivermatics

USGS Streamgage 08386505

Rio Ruidoso at Ruidoso, NM

Rio Ruidoso at Ruidoso, NM is USGS streamgage 08386505 in New Mexico, monitoring river discharge in hydrologic subbasin 13060008. It drains a watershed of about 18 square miles. Discharge records at this site go back to 1998. Typical flow runs near 2.7 cfs in July and 10.2 cfs in April, with the higher of the two arriving in April.

View live conditions →

Gauge details

State
New Mexico
Drainage area
18 sq mi
Gauge elevation
7,164 ft
Subbasin (HUC-8)
13060008
Coordinates
33.33653, -105.72631
USGS site number
08386505
Records begin
1998-10-30 (28 years)

Typical flow by month

Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 26 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 0.7 1.9 8.6
February 0.9 2.5 24.1
March 1.4 8 31
April 1.3 10.2 43
May 0.6 5.2 36
June 0.2 1.9 9.3
July 0.9 2.7 25.8
August 1.2 5.8 34.5
September 0.9 4.1 34.3
October 0.7 2.8 18
November 0.7 2.1 10
December 0.7 1.9 10.7

All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).

Common questions

When does Rio Ruidoso at Ruidoso, NM normally run highest?
April, on the long-term record. The median daily flow that month is about 10.2 cfs, against 1.9 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 Ruidoso at Ruidoso, NM?
It depends on the month. In January, half of days historically fall near 1.9 cfs, with the middle 80% of days between 0.7 and 8.6 cfs. The month-by-month table on this page gives the full range.
How long has Rio Ruidoso at Ruidoso, NM been measured?
Discharge records at USGS site 08386505 begin in 1998, about 28 years, covering roughly 8,382 days of published daily values. The long record is what makes the monthly percentiles on this page meaningful.
Where is Rio Ruidoso at Ruidoso, NM?
The gauge sits at 33.33653, -105.72631, in New Mexico, in hydrologic subbasin 13060008, at an elevation of about 7,164 feet, draining roughly 18 square miles.
Can I use Rio Ruidoso at Ruidoso, 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