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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Rio Grande below Elephant Butte Dam Water Level
Live river level, flow, historical records and forecast for Rio Grande below Elephant Butte Dam in NM, United States, built from official government gauge data.
- Location NM, United States
- Watershed caballo
- Primary gauge 08361000 (USGS)
About Rio Grande below Elephant Butte Dam
Rio Grande below Elephant Butte Dam - a significant segment of a vital river.
Flowing southward through New Mexico, the Rio Grande below Elephant Butte Dam serves as an essential artery in the region's hydrology. This river segment plays a crucial role in conveying water from the surrounding watershed, particularly in a region characterized by its arid Southwest climate. The Elephants Butte Dam acts as a pivotal control point for water flow, ensuring that the water supply is managed effectively for both ecological and human needs.
The watershed context
The watershed here is known as the Caballo, draining approximately 29,450 square miles. In an area where high-country snowmelt will spur increased river flows in the spring, the flow dynamics can shift dramatically with the arrival of the July-September monsoon storms, which bring the potential for flash flooding. These contrasting seasonal patterns influence how water is managed, and they reflect the challenges of balancing water supply against the natural aridity of the region.
Why the data matters here
Monitoring the Rio Grande below Elephant Butte Dam is critical, as it allows water managers, cottagers, and farmers alike to understand fluctuations in water levels and flow rates. Current readings are compared to the median for this calendar day over the past 50 years, a practice that provides valuable context for assessing today's conditions against historical trends. This information is invaluable during times of seasonal change, as it helps anticipate variations in supply and can inform decisions regarding water usage and conservation. The data is generated by the U.S. Geological Survey, which maintains the integrity and accuracy of these measurements, ensuring that all stakeholders can rely on up-to-date information to navigate the challenges presented by this vital waterway.
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
