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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Why Central and South Texas rivers go from gravel beds to fifty-year records in an afternoon - including July 2026 on the Nueces.
One percent, every year, forever - unwrapping hydrology's most misunderstood phrase, and how it differs from our own percentiles.
Rio Grande below Cochiti Dam Water Level
Live river level, flow, historical records and forecast for Rio Grande below Cochiti Dam in NM, United States, built from official government gauge data.
- Location NM, United States
- Watershed rio grande santa fe
- Primary gauge 08317400 (USGS)
About Rio Grande below Cochiti Dam
Rio Grande below Cochiti Dam - A vital reach of the iconic river.
The Rio Grande, flowing below Cochiti Dam in New Mexico, is an essential segment of this mighty river, offering insights into the region's complex hydrology. With a watershed area of approximately 14,900 square miles, it plays a significant role in the water balance of the Rio Grande-Santa Fe watershed. This location is not only a critical water source but also a dynamic environment that reflects the seasonal rhythms of the arid Southwest.
The watershed context
The Rio Grande below Cochiti Dam is part of a vast interconnected system that includes nearby bodies of water such as Cochiti Lake, Galisteo Creek, and the Santa Fe River. This river region is characterized by a unique seasonal pattern driven by high-country snowmelt in early spring, leading to significant flows during this period. As summer arrives, the monsoon storms from July to September can introduce sudden and intense flash floods, dramatically altering the river's flow and dynamics. During periods without precipitation, long dry stretches are common, impacting the water levels and ecosystem health.
Why the data matters here
Monitoring this gauge provides crucial information about flow conditions, especially given the Rio Grande's importance as both a water resource and a natural habitat. Today's measurement from the US Geological Survey indicates the current water level for the Rio Grande below Cochiti Dam compared against the median for this calendar day over more than 50 years. Understanding today's reading in relation to its historical context is essential, as it provides a clearer indication of current conditions than just a raw elevation value. This insight supports cottagers, anglers, and local farmers in making informed decisions based on water availability and safety.
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
