Amargosa River River Levels

Total streamflow across the Amargosa River was last observed at 18 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 35 acre-ft of water today; about 174% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 10 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2024-02-09 when daily discharge volume was observed at 2,530 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Amargosa River At Tecopa reporting a streamflow rate of 17.8 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Amargosa Rv Abv China Ranch Wash Nr Tecopa with a gauge stage of 28.55 ft. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Amargosa River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,317 ft, the Amargosa River At Tecopa.

Historically, the river supported indigenous communities for thousands of years, and later, prospectors traveling to and from Death Valley. Hydrologically, the river flows year-round and is fed by springs, creeks, and snowmelt. It has several small reservoirs along its length, including Beatty Pond and Big Dune Reservoir. However, there are no large dams on the river. The river is not widely used for agriculture due to its small size and unpredictable flow. Recreational activities include hiking and birdwatching along the river and its riparian habitat. The Amargosa River is also a critical habitat for several endangered species, such as the Amargosa vole and the Ash Meadows speckled dace.