Rio Grande Near Monte Vista Flow Report
As of July 21, 2026, Rio Grande Near Monte Vista is flowing at 66 cfs with a gage height of 2.74 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #08221500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Rio Grande Near Monte Vista at a glance
How Rio Grande Near Monte Vista is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Rio Grande Near Monte Vista is flowing at 66 cfs, with the water sitting 2.74 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #08221500 in Colorado. Over the past 10 days the average has been 58 cfs, peaking at 66 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Colorado flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #08221500).
Estimate flows at an ungauged site
Drainage-area ratio transfer from this gauge . Most reliable for hydrologically similar sites in the same watershed with area ratios between roughly 0.5 and 1.5.
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Rio Grande Near Monte Vista is expected to hold near today's 64 cfs, toward roughly 62 cfs by 2026-07-25 (likely range 34-111 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Rio Grande Near Monte Vista
This river is fed by snowmelt from nearby mountain ranges and is most active during the spring and early summer months. There are several tributaries that feed into the Rio Grande, including the Conejos River and the Alamosa River. The Rio Grande is also affected by several dams, including the Elephant Butte Dam in New Mexico. The hydrology of the Rio Grande is important for the agricultural industry in the region, as it provides water for irrigation. Interestingly, the Rio Grande is also a popular destination for fly fishing enthusiasts.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Rio Grande Near Monte Vista's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Rio Grande Near Monte Vista | 66 cfs |
| San Francisco C At Upper Sta | 1 cfs |
| Pinos Creek Near Del Norte | 4 cfs |
| La Garita Creek Near La Garita | 1 cfs |
| Rio Grande At Alamosa | 7 cfs |
| Rio Grande Near Del Norte | 215 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Rio Grande Near Monte Vista. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Del Norte 3.3 E | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Del Norte 2.5 Ene | 0 in |
| Del Norte | 0 in |
| La Garita 5.6 Wsw | 0 in |
| Alamosa 1.1 N | 0 in |
| Alamosa 2ssw | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Rio Grande Near Monte Vista.
Nearby reservoirs
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Boat launches
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River runs
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River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track Rio Grande Near Monte Vista in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Rio Grande Near Monte Vista crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Rio Grande Near Monte Vista
Where does the streamflow data for Rio Grande Near Monte Vista come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 08221500. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when Rio Grande Near Monte Vista rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free Rio Grande Near Monte Vista report
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