Rio Penasco Near Dunken flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Rio Penasco Near Dunken is flowing at 8 cfs with a gage height of 1.98 ft, receding 70% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #08397600, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Rio Penasco Near Dunken at a glance
How Rio Penasco Near Dunken is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Rio Penasco Near Dunken is flowing at 8 cfs, with the water sitting 1.98 ft at the gage. Flow is down 70% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #08397600 in New Mexico. Over the past 10 days the average has been 6 cfs, peaking at 26 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.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Rio Penasco Near Dunken is expected to rise from today's 8 cfs, toward roughly 10 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 5-19 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.
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 Penasco Near Dunken
The flow of the river is primarily provided by snowmelt and precipitation in the surrounding mountainous areas. There are no major dams or tributaries that specifically affect the flow of the Rio Penasco. Seasonal trends show that the stream typically experiences higher flows during the spring and early summer months. One interesting fact about the hydrology of the Rio Penasco is that it is known for its trout fishing opportunities. Overall, the Rio Penasco stream gauge provides important data for understanding the hydrology of the surrounding area.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Rio Penasco Near Dunken's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Rio Penasco Near Dunken | 8 cfs |
| Rio Hondo At Diamond A Ranch Nr Roswell | 0 cfs |
| Rio Hondo Blw Diamond A Dam Nr Roswell | 0 cfs |
| Rio Ruidoso At Hollywood | 5 cfs |
| Rio Ruidoso At Ruidoso | 1 cfs |
| Rio Penasco At Dayton | 0 cfs |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Rio Penasco Near Dunken.
Boat launches
See all →
River runs
See all →
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 Penasco Near Dunken in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Rio Penasco Near Dunken crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Rio Penasco Near Dunken
Where does the streamflow data for Rio Penasco Near Dunken come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 08397600. 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 Penasco Near Dunken 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 Penasco Near Dunken report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
- Flow alerts — get pinged the moment this river hits your range
- Save favorites — every river, lake & snowpack in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app