Rio Chama below Abiquiu
Future / Actual / Minor
OWP 2.0 WWA Modal Title
01/11/2021, 10:04 PM UTC through 01/11/2021, 10:04 PM UTC
Sender
Sent
- Warning: no valid ratings curve available. Transformations to and from FEET/CFS/KCFS will not happen.
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Observed (OBS) 06/24/2025 12:15 PM MDTLow Threshold: 0 ftCATEGORY STAGE 
Major Flooding 6.3 ft Moderate Flooding 5.8 ft Minor Flooding 5.4 ft Action 4.8 ft Reliability of the Forecast:
NOTE: Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.
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.
National Water Model Hydrograph
Official NWS streamflow forecasts are produced by NWS hydrologic forecasters for river gauge locations using hydrologic models which are calibrated to that location. This process considers additional guidance and information, including local expertise and experience, to produce the best forecast possible. The NWM output provides supplemental guidance to NWS forecasters and should not be considered an official NWS river forecast.
Flood Impacts
- 5.4 - 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 - 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.
Gauge Info
| Coordinates | 36.2372, -106.418 |
| RFC | WGRFC |
| State | NM |
| WFO | ABQ |
| County | Rio Arriba |
| Data Provider(s) | |
| US Geological Survey | USGS--Water Resources of the United States |
| USGS | 08287000 |
Gauge Location
Recent Crests
| 1. | 4.51 ft | on 06-06-2011 |
| 2. | 4.82 ft | on 04-27-2010 |
| 3. | 4.73 ft | on 05-29-2009 |
| 4. | 4.76 ft | on 04-16-2008 |
| 5. | 4.70 ft | on 05-17-2007 |
Recent Crests
| 1. | 4.51 ft | on 06-06-2011 |
| 2. | 4.82 ft | on 04-27-2010 |
| 3. | 4.73 ft | on 05-29-2009 |
| 4. | 4.76 ft | on 04-16-2008 |
| 5. | 4.70 ft | on 05-17-2007 |
| 6. | 4.80 ft | on 04-19-2005 |
| 7. | 4.83 ft | on 05-15-2004 |
| 8. | 4.80 ft | on 05-29-1998 |
| 9. | 5.01 ft | on 06-28-1995 |
| 10. | 5.16 ft | on 04-25-1989 |
| 11. | 5.52 ft | on 05-14-1985 |
| 12. | 5.45 ft | on 06-12-1970 |
Historic Crests
| 1. | 5.52 ft | on 05-14-1985 |
| 2. | 5.45 ft | on 06-12-1970 |
| 3. | 5.16 ft | on 04-25-1989 |
| 4. | 5.01 ft | on 06-28-1995 |
| 5. | 4.83 ft | on 05-15-2004 |
Historic Crests
| 1. | 5.52 ft | on 05-14-1985 |
| 2. | 5.45 ft | on 06-12-1970 |
| 3. | 5.16 ft | on 04-25-1989 |
| 4. | 5.01 ft | on 06-28-1995 |
| 5. | 4.83 ft | on 05-15-2004 |
| 6. | 4.82 ft | on 04-27-2010 |
| 7. | 4.80 ft | on 05-29-1998 |
| 8. | 4.80 ft | on 04-19-2005 |
| 9. | 4.76 ft | on 04-16-2008 |
| 10. | 4.73 ft | on 05-29-2009 |
| 11. | 4.70 ft | on 05-17-2007 |
| 12. | 4.51 ft | on 06-06-2011 |
Low Water Records
Low Water Records
Gauge Photos
No Images Found
Collaborative Agencies
The National Weather Service prepares its forecasts and other services in collaboration with agencies like the US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Park Service, ALERT Users Group, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many state and local emergency managers across the country. For details, please click here.