Rio Chama below Abiquiu
New Mexico — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico on the Rio Chama. Live water level data from USGS gauge 08287000, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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Flood Stages
Major Flood
6.3 ft
2,603 cfs
Moderate Flood
5.8 ft
2,166 cfs
Minor Flood
5.4 ft
1,904 cfs
Action Stage
4.8 ft
1,516.8 cfs
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
5.4 ft
Initial flood stage. Approximately 1900cfs Farms and properties along the river will see overbank flooding and encroachment of water into low lying areas. If Rio Ojo Caliente is running at 550cfs or greater properties near the confluence with Rio Chama will see overbank flooding, bank erosion and impacts to structures immediately adjacent to the river. Fishing spots and picnic areas below Abiquiu Dam will be inaccessible.
4.8 ft
Bankfull Stage. Approximately 1460 cfs. Houses near Highway 84 along river will see water begin to encroach their yards. Cattle that cross the river at lower flows may be trapped on one side or the other. If flows out of the Rio Ojo Caliente are 550 cfs or higher properties near and below the confluence with the Rio Chama may encroachment of water onto land immediately adjacent to the river along with bank erosion.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| May 13, 1985 | 5.52 ft | 2,680 cfs |
| May 13, 1985 | 5.52 ft | 2,680 cfs |
| Jun 11, 1970 | 5.45 ft | 2,620 cfs |
| Jun 11, 1970 | 5.45 ft | 2,620 cfs |
| Apr 24, 1989 | 5.16 ft | 2,220 cfs |
About This Gauge
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StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Rio Chama below Abiquiu?
The Rio Chama below Abiquiu gauge is maintained by USGS (site 08287000) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Rio Chama below Abiquiu?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Rio Chama below Abiquiu is 5.4 feet. Action stage begins at 4.8 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 5.8 feet, and major flooding at 6.3 feet.
How do I get alerts when Rio Chama rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Rio Chama below Abiquiu to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Rio Chama below Abiquiu gauge located?
The gauge is located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico at coordinates 36.2372°N, 106.4175°W. USGS site number: 08287000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Rio Chama
On This River
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.