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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Palo Verde Drain near Parker Water Level
Live river level, flow, historical records and forecast for Palo Verde Drain near Parker in AZ, United States, built from official government gauge data.
- Location AZ, United States
- Watershed imperial reservoir
- Primary gauge 09429030 (USGS)
About Palo Verde Drain near Parker
Palo Verde Drain - A vital tributary in the Arizona desert.
Palo Verde Drain serves as an essential waterway for the area surrounding Parker, Arizona. This river is part of the Imperial Reservoir watershed, ultimately contributing to the Colorado River system. As a critical conduit in an arid landscape, Palo Verde Drain supports local agriculture and ecosystems, adapting to the dynamics of the Southwest's unique hydrology.
The watershed context
The Palo Verde Drain flows through a semi-arid landscape characterized by its reliance on sporadic water events. The region experiences intense summer monsoon thunderstorms that can trigger significant flash floods, while winter storms alongside high-country snowmelt further influence water levels. The watershed, despite its dry channels between such events, plays a fundamental role in maintaining the water supply for irrigation and other uses in this desert environment.
Surrounding waters like the Colorado River and several canals, including the Palo Verde Canal and Gardner Lateral Spill, illustrate the interconnected nature of irrigation and drainage in the region. Local farmers rely on these systems to manage water flow, especially during the arid months when rainfall can be scarce.
Why the data matters here
Monitoring water levels and flow rates within the Palo Verde Drain is vital for understanding the hydrological trends that affect local agriculture and ecological health. The gauge records discharge, which is essential for assessing how much water is available for various uses. Today's reading from USGS provides insight into current conditions by comparing the water level to the median for this calendar day over the station's 47 years of historical data.
This approach emphasizes the significance of using a historical median over a simple elevation reading, as it accounts for seasonal variations and helps communities prepare for fluctuations in water availability. Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective water management in this arid landscape.
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
