Santa Cruz River

Streamflow Hydrology Weather


Santa Cruz River Levels

March 28 2024

127 ACRE-FT

Discharge Volume Today
-3.9 cfs (-5.73%) since yesterday
68.66% of normal Low

Total streamflow across the Santa Cruz River was last observed at 64 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 127 acre-ft of water today; about 69% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 94 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2021-07-26 when daily discharge volume was observed at 20,367 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Santa Cruz River At Cortaro reporting a streamflow rate of 46.2 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Santa Cruz River At Tubac with a gauge stage of 20.16 ft. This river is monitored from 9 different streamgauging stations along the Santa Cruz River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 6,489 ft, the Santa Cruz River Near Cundiyo.

Last Updated 2024-03-28
Streamflow 64.2 cfs
Percent of Normal 68.66%
Maximum 20,366.8 cfs
2021-07-26

About the santa cruz river


The Santa Cruz River is a 184-mile-long river that flows through the southern part of Arizona and northern part of Mexico. The river has a rich history, with evidence of human activity along its banks dating back over 4,000 years. The hydrology of the river has been significantly impacted by human activity, including diversion of water for agricultural use and the construction of dams and reservoirs. The two main reservoirs on the river are Lake Patagonia and the Rio Rico Reservoir. The river is also an important source of water for irrigation, supporting agriculture in the region. In recent years, efforts have been made to restore the river and its ecosystem, including the removal of invasive plant species and the reintroduction of native fish species. The river also provides recreational opportunities, including fishing and boating.

Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Santa Cruz River Near Cundiyo
USGS 08291000
18 cfs 4.37 ft -8.16
Santa Cruz River Near Lochiel
USGS 09480000
0 cfs 6.27 ft None
Santa Cruz River Near Nogales
USGS 09480500
1 cfs 1.54 ft -8.13
Santa Cruz River At Tubac
USGS 09481740
3 cfs 20.16 ft -41.79
Santa Cruz River At Continental
USGS 09482000
0 cfs 1.13 ft None
Santa Cruz River At Tucson
USGS 09482500
0 cfs 0.58 ft None
Santa Cruz River At Cortaro
USGS 09486500
46 cfs 8.42 ft -4.74
Santa Cruz River At Trico Road
USGS 09486520
10 cfs 2.95 ft 194.26
Santa Cruz River Near Laveen
USGS 09489000
0 cfs 8.52 ft 0

Peak Annual Discharge

Santa Cruz River Maximum Total Discharge

Seasonal Comparison

Santa Cruz River Year Over Year Discharge


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