Rivermatics

USGS Streamgage 09480500

Santa Cruz River near Nogales, AZ

Santa Cruz River near Nogales, AZ is USGS streamgage 09480500 in Arizona, monitoring river discharge in hydrologic subbasin 15050301. It drains a watershed of about 533 square miles. Discharge records at this site go back to 1913. Typical flow runs near 1.5 cfs in July and 1.8 cfs in April, with the higher of the two arriving in April.

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Gauge details

State
Arizona
Drainage area
533 sq mi
Gauge elevation
3,705 ft
Subbasin (HUC-8)
15050301
Coordinates
31.34457, -110.85151
USGS site number
09480500
Records begin
1913-01-01 (113 years)

Typical flow by month

Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 113 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 4.2 44.7
February 0 4.3 58.2
March 0 3.6 41.7
April 0 1.8 18.8
May 0 0.5 3.3
June 0 0 1
July 0 1.5 90.8
August 0 10.2 183.5
September 0 1.5 59.4
October 0 0.8 19
November 0 1.4 15.9
December 0 3 27.4

All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).

Common questions

When does Santa Cruz River near Nogales, AZ normally run highest?
August, on the long-term record. The median daily flow that month is about 10.2 cfs, against 0 cfs in June, 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 near Nogales, AZ?
It depends on the month. In January, half of days historically fall near 4.2 cfs, with the middle 80% of days between 0 and 44.7 cfs. The month-by-month table on this page gives the full range.
How long has Santa Cruz River near Nogales, AZ been measured?
Discharge records at USGS site 09480500 begin in 1913, about 113 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 near Nogales, AZ?
The gauge sits at 31.34457, -110.85151, in Arizona, in hydrologic subbasin 15050301, at an elevation of about 3,705 feet, draining roughly 533 square miles.
Can I use Santa Cruz River near Nogales, 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