Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge flow report
As of July 15, 2026, Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge is flowing at 266 cfs with a gage height of 2.35 ft, receding 16% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #08313000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge at a glance
How Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge is flowing at 266 cfs, with the water sitting 2.35 ft at the gage. Flow is down 16% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #08313000 in New Mexico. Over the past 10 days the average has been 271 cfs, peaking at 318 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the New Mexico flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #08313000).
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 At Otowi Bridge is expected to rise from today's 266 cfs, toward roughly 296 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 160-547 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 At Otowi Bridge
The river is fed by several tributaries, including the Chama River and the Pecos River. The Cochiti Dam, located upstream of the Otowi Bridge, regulates the flow of the river. The seasonal trends for the Rio Grande show that the river is typically highest in the springtime when snowmelt occurs in the mountains. In the summer and fall, the river's flow decreases due to less precipitation and increased water usage. A quirky fact about the hydrology of the Rio Grande is that it is the fourth-longest river in the United States and has been the subject of many poems and songs due to its cultural and historical significance.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge | 266 cfs |
| Rito De Los Frijoles In Bandelier Nat Mon | 1 cfs |
| Rio Nambe Below Nambe Falls Dam Near Nambe | 17 cfs |
| Rio Chama Near Chamita | 205 cfs |
| Rio Nambe Above Nambe Falls Dam Near Nambe | 36 cfs |
| Santa Cruz River Near Cundiyo | 6 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge. 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 |
|---|---|
| Quemazon | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Quemazon | 1 in |
| Cochiti Lake | 0 in |
| Headquarters (Valles Caldera) | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Santa Fe | — |
| Santa Fe | 0 in |
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 At Otowi Bridge 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 At Otowi Bridge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge
Where does the streamflow data for Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 08313000. 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 At Otowi Bridge 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 At Otowi Bridge report
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