ALAMOSA RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 30, 2024
37.30, -106.00

Red Flag Warning
2024-12-30T17:00:00-07:00

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 216, 238, 239, 240, 241, 243, 245, 246 and 247. * TIMING...From 7 AM this morning to 5 PM MST this afternoon. * WINDS...Northwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Alamosa River was last observed at 67 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 133 acre-ft of water today; about 84% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 80 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2017-06-06 when daily discharge volume was observed at 2,373 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Alamosa River Below Terrace Reservoir reporting a streamflow rate of 2.38 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Alamosa River, with a gauge stage of 1.96 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Alamosa River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 9,403 ft, the Alamosa River Above Wightman Fork Near Jasper.

The Alamosa River is a tributary of the Rio Grande in southern Colorado. It stretches 50 miles from its headwaters in the San Juan Mountains to its confluence with the Rio Grande. Historically, the river was used for gold mining and agriculture, but today, it is primarily used for recreation, including fishing and kayaking. The river's hydrology is heavily influenced by snowmelt, which can cause significant flooding during the spring and early summer. There are several reservoirs and dams on the Alamosa River, including Terrace Reservoir and Platoro Reservoir. These reservoirs were built for irrigation purposes and to manage the river's flow for flood control. Despite the use of the river for recreation and agriculture, efforts are being made to improve water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife.

Last Updated 2024-12-04
Discharge Volume 133 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 66.9 cfs
-6.2 cfs (-8.48%)
Percent of Normal 83.97%
Maximum 2,373.0 cfs
2017-06-06
Seasonal Avg 80 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Alamosa River Above Wightman Fork Near Jasper
USGS 08235250
-999 cfs 0.66 ft 0
Alamosa River Above Terrace Reservoir
USGS 08236000
-999 cfs -0.19 ft None
Alamosa River Below Terrace Reservoir
USGS 08236500
2 cfs 1.96 ft -7.03
History of the River

The Alamosa River is a river in the southern part of the U.S. state of Colorado. It is about 64 miles (103 km) long, flowing roughly east through the San Luis Valley. Its watershed comprises about 148 square miles (380 km2).
The river's name means "shaded with cottonwoods" in Spanish.The river was affected by the Summitville mine disaster, the worst cyanide spill in United States history.

       

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