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 near Lochiel Water Level
Live river level, flow, historical records and forecast for Santa Cruz River near Lochiel in AZ, United States, built from official government gauge data.
- Location AZ, United States
- Watershed upper santa cruz
- Primary gauge 09480000 (USGS)
About Santa Cruz River near Lochiel
Santa Cruz River near Lochiel - A vital artery in the Arid Southwest.
The Santa Cruz River meanders through Arizona's unique landscape, serving as a crucial water source for the Upper Santa Cruz watershed. This stretch near Lochiel is influenced by the region's distinct arid climate, where water flows can vary dramatically due to seasonal monsoon thunderstorms and intermittent winter storms.
The watershed context
The Santa Cruz River flows through a varied terrain, supporting not only the river itself but also the communities and ecosystems that rely on its waters. Draining roughly 82 square miles above the station, the river's watershed captures runoff from summer storms and snowmelt, creating a dynamic environment that can shift rapidly between dry spells and sudden flash floods. The proximity to multiple tributaries, including Canada Del Oro and Nogales Wash, further enriches the water network, creating opportunities for surface flow that are critical during wetter months.
Why the data matters here
Understanding the hydrology of the Santa Cruz River near Lochiel is fundamental for those who live and work in the area. The current data provides insights into how much water is flowing in the river, which can inform agricultural practices, fishing activities, and flood preparedness. Today’s measurement by the U.S. Geological Survey reveals the river's current level compared to historical median values for this date, and this information is invaluable for local stakeholders. When comparing today's reading to the median for the calendar day, we can better assess trends like drought or flooding risks, which are especially relevant given the region's variable water supply due to extreme weather events.
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
