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.
Water Stories
For five years, spring 2019 was the mark every Lake Muskoka decision answered to. In April 2026 the lake went two centimeters higher - and the official books have not caught up yet.
Inside the freshet cycle that puts Manitoba shorelines at risk each year - and why 2026 broke the script.
The science of snow water equivalent and why it drives the season ahead.
What the numbers on the measuring stick actually tell you.
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.
Santa Cruz River at Tucson Water Level
Live river level, flow, historical records and forecast for Santa Cruz River at Tucson in AZ, United States, built from official government gauge data.
- Location AZ, United States
- Watershed upper santa cruz
- Primary gauge 09482500 (USGS)
About Santa Cruz River at Tucson
Santa Cruz River - a vital waterway in an arid landscape.
The Santa Cruz River at Tucson is a crucial lifeline flowing through the parched terrain of Southern Arizona. As part of the Upper Santa Cruz watershed, it collects runoff from an expansive drainage area of roughly 2,222 square miles, making it a key hydrological feature in the region. This river experiences dramatic fluctuations in water levels, heavily influenced by seasonal weather patterns that bring summer monsoon thunderstorms and winter storms.
The watershed context
The Upper Santa Cruz watershed encompasses a diverse mix of environments, from sprawling desert areas to the foothills of mountainous regions. As part of the arid Southwest hydrology, this river is emblematic of the area's unique weather. Flash floods can arise suddenly from summer storms, transforming the river into a torrent capable of reshaping the land. In contrast, the winter months feature high-country snowmelt, which can seasonally contribute to flow levels. This complex interplay of precipitation makes the Santa Cruz an area of interest for cottagers, farmers, and anyone engaged in water management.
Nearby water bodies such as Canada Del Oro and Rillito Creek further illustrate the interconnectedness of the region's waterways. These peers share similar flow patterns shaped by the contrasting seasonal storms, feeding various aspects of local ecology and human activity.
Why the data matters here
Current conditions at the Santa Cruz River station, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), shed light on the river's behavior and health. The station provides both water level and discharge measurements, essential data for monitoring the river's varied hydrological regime. By understanding how today's reading compares against the median for this calendar day over the past 50 years, observers can better gauge the impact of weather events and seasonal changes.
Today's reading provides context beyond just raw elevation figures. Understanding the median levels helps evaluate whether the current flow is typical for this time of year or indicative of unusual weather patterns. This comparison is vital for stakeholders who rely on this river for water supply, flood management, and ecological conservation.
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
