ALAMOSA RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-21
Discharge Volume 305 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 154.0 cfs
-12.0 cfs (-7.23%)
Percent of Normal 364.16%
Maximum 2,373.0 cfs
2017-06-06
Seasonal Avg 42 cfs

Total streamflow across the Alamosa River was last observed at 154 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 305 acre-ft of water today; about 364% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 42 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 Above Terrace Reservoir reporting a streamflow rate of 154.00 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Alamosa River Below Terrace Reservoir with a gauge stage of 2.33 ft. 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.

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
154 cfs 1.26 ft -7.23
Alamosa River Below Terrace Reservoir
USGS 08236500
11 cfs 2.33 ft 4.59
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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Watershed River Levels

3

Cubic Feet Per Second

5

Cubic Feet Per Second

-999

Cubic Feet Per Second

-999

Cubic Feet Per Second