SANTA CRUZ RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 7, 2025


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Santa Cruz River was last observed at 88 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 174 acre-ft of water today; about 78% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 113 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 53.6 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Santa Cruz River At Tubac with a gauge stage of 19.99 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.

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.

Last Updated 2025-02-06
Discharge Volume 174 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 87.93 cfs
-14.46 cfs (-14.12%)
Percent of Normal 78.09%
Maximum 20,366.8 cfs
2021-07-26
Seasonal Avg 113 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Santa Cruz River Near Cundiyo
USGS 08291000
27 cfs 4.61 ft 8.13
Santa Cruz River Near Lochiel
USGS 09480000
0 cfs 6.15 ft None
Santa Cruz River Near Nogales
USGS 09480500
1 cfs 1.23 ft -54.48
Santa Cruz River At Tubac
USGS 09481740
2 cfs 19.99 ft 42.22
Santa Cruz River At Continental
USGS 09482000
0 cfs 1.14 ft None
Santa Cruz River At Tucson
USGS 09482500
0 cfs 0.61 ft None
Santa Cruz River At Cortaro
USGS 09486500
54 cfs 8.7 ft -18.79
Santa Cruz River At Trico Road
USGS 09486520
32 cfs 3.09 ft -5.64
Santa Cruz River Near Laveen
USGS 09489000
0 cfs 8.32 ft None
History of the River

The Santa Cruz River (English: "Holy Cross River"; Spanish: Río Santa Cruz) is a tributary river to the Gila River in Southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico. It is approximately 184 miles (296 km) long.

       

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