TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Purgatoire River
was last observed at
61
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
121
acre-ft of water today; about 70%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
88 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2017-05-13 when daily discharge volume was observed at
11,568 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Purgatoire River At Madrid
reporting a streamflow rate of 1,020 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Purgatoire River, with a gauge stage of
16.26 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 7 different streamgauging stations along the Purgatoire River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 6,265 ft, the
Purgatoire River At Madrid.
The Purgatoire River, also known as the Purgatory River, is a 200-mile-long tributary of the Arkansas River in southern Colorado and western Kansas. The river has a rich history dating back to the ancient Puebloan people who lived in the area. The river is known for its unique geology and hydrology, including the famous Picketwire Canyonlands, where dinosaur tracks can be seen. The river's flow is regulated by several reservoirs and dams, including the Purgatoire River Diversion Dam and the Valdez Reservoir. The river is used for agricultural purposes, including irrigation, and is a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and camping. The Purgatoire River is an important natural resource in the region, providing water for wildlife and people alike.
| Last Updated | 2024-12-21 |
| Discharge Volume | 121 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
61.21 cfs
-18.51 cfs (-23.22%) |
| Percent of Normal | 69.66% |
| Maximum |
11,568.0 cfs
2017-05-13 |
| Seasonal Avg | 88 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Purgatoire River At Madrid
USGS 07124200 |
1020 cfs | 16.26 ft | -3.77 | |||||
|
Purgatoire River Below Trinidad Lake
USGS 07124410 |
0 cfs | 4 ft | 0 | |||||
|
Purgatoire River At Trinidad
USGS 07124500 |
3 cfs | 0.69 ft | 0 | |||||
|
Purgatoire River Near Thatcher
USGS 07126300 |
21 cfs | 2.5 ft | -2.34 | |||||
|
Purgatoire River At Rock Crossing Nr Timpas
USGS 07126485 |
20 cfs | 6.5 ft | -8.72 | |||||
|
Purgatoire River At Ninemile Dam
USGS 07126500 |
8 cfs | 2.91 ft | -9.07 | |||||
|
Purgatoire River Near Las Animas
USGS 07128500 |
20 cfs | 2.63 ft | -18.73 |
History of the River
The Purgatoire River is a river in southeastern Colorado, United States. The river is also known locally as the Purgatory River or the Picketwire River. Purgatoire means Purgatory in French. French trappers named the river to commemorate Spanish explorers killed in a Native American attack.The Purgatoire River originates at the confluence of the North Fork Purgatoire and Middle Fork Purgatoire rivers near Weston in Las Animas County, Colorado, and flows generally east-northeastward approximately 196 miles (315 km) to a confluence with the Arkansas River in John Martin Reservoir State Park near Las Animas in Bent County, Colorado. The Purgatoire River drains an area of 3,447 square miles (8,930 km2). 96.4% of this area is in Colorado, the remaining 3.6% is in New Mexico.The Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site is a large military base located along the western bank of the Purgatoire River. Citizens groups opposed plans of the U.S. Army to expand the base. On November 25, 2013, the U.S. Army announced that its plan to expand the Piñon Canyon Maneuver site had been cancelled.