Major Flood
13 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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This is an NWS forecast point (LID: ESPN5). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
11.5 ft
Minor Flood
9.5 ft
Action Stage
8 ft
What Floods at Each Level
11.5 ft
Flow in the Rio Grande below the confluence with the Rio Chama exceeds 20 thousand cubic feet per second and significant overbank flooding is occurring above and below Espanola. Earthen levees protecting the city and the water filtration plant are threatened by the unusually high water levels. Irrigation canals in the area will likely sustain significant flood damage.
9.5 ft
Areas above and below Espanola will begin to flood. Most of the area affected by flooding is farmland or pasture land. The main sections of the city of Espanola are protected by levees to 11.5 feet or slightly higher.
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 14, 1941 | 10.4 ft | — |
| Apr 23, 1942 | 9.6 ft | — |
| May 25, 1905 | 9.4 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
ESPN5
River
Rio Grande
County
Rio Arriba, NM
Coordinates
35.9881°N, 106.0750°W
Get Flood Alerts for Rio Grande
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 Grande at Espanola?
The Rio Grande at Espanola gauge is maintained by USGS 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 Grande at Espanola?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Rio Grande at Espanola is 9.5 feet. Action stage begins at 8 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 11.5 feet, and major flooding at 13 feet.
How do I get alerts when Rio Grande rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Rio Grande at Espanola 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 Grande at Espanola gauge located?
The gauge is located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico at coordinates 35.9881°N, 106.0750°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Rio Grande
On This River
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: US 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.
- We are looking for a volunteer to monitor this river gauge. If interested, contact the local NWS office.