Rivermatics

USGS Streamgage 09482500

Santa Cruz River at Tucson, AZ

Santa Cruz River at Tucson, AZ is USGS streamgage 09482500 in Arizona, monitoring river discharge in hydrologic subbasin 15050301. It drains a watershed of about 2,222 square miles. Discharge records at this site go back to 1905. Typical flow runs near 0.5 cfs in July and 0 cfs in April, with the higher of the two arriving in July.

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Gauge details

State
Arizona
Drainage area
2,222 sq mi
Gauge elevation
2,323 ft
Subbasin (HUC-8)
15050301
Coordinates
32.22121, -110.98179
USGS site number
09482500
Records begin
1905-10-01 (121 years)

Typical flow by month

Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 28 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 0 3.2
February 0 0 1.9
March 0 0 0.6
April 0 0 0.5
May 0 0 0
June 0 0 1.6
July 0 0.5 175.8
August 0 0.2 119.8
September 0 0 41.2
October 0 0 10.6
November 0 0 1.8
December 0 0 1.4

All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).

Common questions

When does Santa Cruz River at Tucson, AZ normally run highest?
July, on the long-term record. The median daily flow that month is about 0.5 cfs, against 0 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 Santa Cruz River at Tucson, AZ?
It depends on the month. In January, half of days historically fall near 0 cfs, with the middle 80% of days between 0 and 3.2 cfs. The month-by-month table on this page gives the full range.
How long has Santa Cruz River at Tucson, AZ been measured?
Discharge records at USGS site 09482500 begin in 1905, about 121 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 Santa Cruz River at Tucson, AZ?
The gauge sits at 32.22121, -110.98179, in Arizona, in hydrologic subbasin 15050301, at an elevation of about 2,323 feet, draining roughly 2,222 square miles.
Can I use Santa Cruz River at Tucson, AZ 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