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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Santa Cruz River at Tubac, AZ. Water Level
Live river level, flow, historical records and forecast for Santa Cruz River at Tubac, AZ. in AZ, United States, built from official government gauge data.
- Location AZ, United States
- Watershed upper santa cruz
- Primary gauge 09481740 (USGS)
About Santa Cruz River at Tubac, AZ.
Santa Cruz River - A vital waterway in the arid Southwest.
Flowing through the heart of southern Arizona, the Santa Cruz River serves as a key artery in the Upper Santa Cruz watershed. This river is characterized by its reliance on seasonal fluctuations, driven by monsoon thunderstorms in the summer and high-country snowmelt in the winter. As a dynamic water source, it vividly illustrates the interplay between natural hydrology and climatic influences in an arid region.
The watershed context
The Santa Cruz River at Tubac is part of the Upper Santa Cruz watershed, which drains approximately 1,210 square miles. This area experiences a stark transformation as summer thunderstorms can induce violent flash floods, while many channels may run dry in between events. It is a river that reflects the region’s unique climatic patterns where water availability can vary significantly throughout the year. The Santa Cruz River interacts with various neighboring streams, including Canada Del Oro and Rillito Creek, showcasing a network of waterways that support both local ecosystems and human activities.
Why the data matters here
Water data from the Santa Cruz River is essential for understanding the hydrological patterns in this part of Arizona. Today's reading from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides crucial insights into the river's current flow conditions. Comparing this figure to the median for this calendar day across more than 31 years of historical records allows residents, farmers, and flood-watchers alike to gauge water availability and anticipate potential flooding events. In a region where summer monsoons can quickly change the landscape, this information proves invaluable in managing resources and ensuring 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
