Major Flood
11.5 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
8 ft
Minor Flood
6 ft
Action Stage
5.5 ft
What Floods at Each Level
11.5 ft
Water getting dangerously close to bottom of bridges on highway 285 and state route 74. Debris in river may get caught on bridge supports and send water over the roadway. Significant flooding to properties along the Rio Chama and Rio Ojo Caliente is occurring and private roads along the river are impassable.
8 ft
Properties along the Rio Chama and southern reach of the Rio Ojo Caliente are flooded. Private roadways within several hundred yards of the river are impassable.
6 ft
Properties in the flood plain along the Rio Chama and near the junction of the Rio Ojo Caliente will see water in their yards. Impacts can include bank erosion and damage to wells and septic tanks. These impacts will increase in severity at higher river levels.
5.5 ft
Bankfull stage. Properties immediately adjacent to the river upstream of the bridge on SR-74 and especially near the junction with the Rio Ojo Caliente may see water encroach onto low lying areas.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 13, 1994 | 11.68 ft | 4,530 cfs |
| May 21, 1920 | 10.45 ft | 15,000 cfs |
| Aug 11, 1929 | 9.65 ft | 10,400 cfs |
About This Gauge
Get Flood Alerts for Rio Chama
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 near Chamita?
The Rio Chama near Chamita gauge is maintained by USGS (site 08290000) 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 near Chamita?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Rio Chama near Chamita is 6 feet. Action stage begins at 5.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 8 feet, and major flooding at 11.5 feet.
How do I get alerts when Rio Chama rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Rio Chama near Chamita to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Rio Chama near Chamita gauge located?
The gauge is located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico at coordinates 36.0736°N, 106.1117°W. USGS site number: 08290000. 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 12 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.