Nibi Metrics
Real-time water levels, forecasts, and alerts for lakes and rivers across Canada and the US. Built on official government data.
Nibi Metrics turns raw gauge readings from official hydrometric networks into something a person standing on a dock can actually use: is the water high or low for today, which way is it moving, and how unusual is this? This page explains where every number on the platform comes from and what we do to it along the way.
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La Plata River near Farmington Water Level
Live river level, flow, historical records and forecast for La Plata River near Farmington in NM, United States, built from official government gauge data.
- Location NM, United States
- Watershed middle san juan
- Primary gauge 09367500 (USGS)
About La Plata River near Farmington
La Plata River - a vital watercourse in arid New Mexico.
The La Plata River near Farmington is a significant river in the arid Southwest, flowing through the Middle San Juan watershed. Known for its dynamic seasonal changes, the river captures the essence of high-country snowmelt and the dramatic shifts that govern the region's hydrology. Flow events here are largely influenced by the melting snows of the high country in spring and the monsoon storms that roll across the region from July to September, bringing the potential for flash floods amidst extended dry periods.
The watershed context
Draining roughly 583 square miles above the station, the La Plata River plays a crucial role as it meanders through the desert landscape. It connects with peer rivers, including the La Plata River at La Plata and the San Juan River at Farmington and Shiprock. This river system underpins agricultural practices, provides essential water for local ecosystems, and supplies recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
As the river flows through Farmington, its hydrology reflects the larger patterns characteristic of New Mexico's arid climate. During dry stretches, water levels can decline significantly, while the spring runoff brings a surge of water that revitalizes the ecosystem. The combination of these seasonal variations has shaped the river's behavior over the years.
Why the data matters here
Understanding the current water level of the La Plata River is vital for users across the region. Today’s reading provides essential information compared to the median for this calendar day over the past 50 years, measured by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This context allows for better management of water resources and informed decision-making for those relying on this critical waterway. By considering both the absolute elevation and its historic context, users can assess the river's trends effectively, whether it's for flood preparedness or resource allocation.
How this page is built
Readings come from official government gauges and are rolled into daily records: the daily mean, high and low for every day on record. Each calendar day gets its own baseline from the full history, so the level you see is compared against what this specific date usually looks like rather than an annual average.
How Nibi Metrics works · Water stories
