Zuni

Watershed Hydrology

The Zuni watershed (HUC 15020004) encompasses an area of approximately 1,630 square miles in northwest New Mexico. The hydrology of the area is characterized by a semi-arid climate with a monsoonal pattern of precipitation. The watershed is in the Colorado Plateau region and is dominated by sandstone and shale formations. The Zuni River is the main surface water feature in the area and is fed by snowmelt and monsoonal rains. The snowpack in the watershed is typically light and melts quickly due to the warm climate. There are several small reservoirs in the area that are used for irrigation and recreation. The reservoirs are typically low in nutrients and have low levels of dissolved oxygen. In recent decades, the Zuni watershed has experienced drought conditions and declining snowpack levels. Climate models predict that these conditions will continue in the future, leading to increased stress on water resources in the area.


Surface Flows

Zuni Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Zuni Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Zuni Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Zuni Watershed

Zuni Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed