Rio Chama below Abiquiu, NM

The last 7 days and the forecast

NWS forecast issued Sun, Dec 31, 5 PM. Forecasts change as rain falls and as upstream water arrives.

Flood stages

What floods at each level

From the National Weather Service, highest first.

• 5.4 ftInitial 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 ftBankfull 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.

Highest crests on record

1. 5.52 ft — May 14, 1985
2. 5.45 ft — June 12, 1970
3. 5.16 ft — April 25, 1989
4. 5.01 ft — June 28, 1995
5. 4.83 ft — May 15, 2004

Recent crests: 4.51 ft (June 6, 2011) · 4.82 ft (April 27, 2010) · 4.73 ft (May 29, 2009) · 4.76 ft (April 16, 2008) · 4.7 ft (May 17, 2007)

Up and down the river, and nearby

• UpstreamRio Chama above Abiquiu, NM
• DownstreamRio Chama near Chamita, NM
• Rio Chama at Abiquiu Dam, NM
• Rio Ojo Caliente below La Madera, NM
• Rio Grande at Embudo, NM
• Embudo Creek below Dixon, NM
• Rio Chama below El Vado Dam, NM
• Rio Grande at Otowi, NM