Rio Nutria
Streamflow, conditions and background by watershed segment. Data through November 1, 2026.
Where it is
Segments are the HUC8 watersheds the gauges sit in, numbered upstream to downstream. Use the buttons to switch between the state and the river.
- 1Zuni
- river and reservoirs
- gauge
About the Rio Nutria
This report follows 34 miles (55 km) of the Rio Nutria, all within the Zuni watershed segment. At the lower end of the report the river drains about 232 square miles. Downstream of the mapped reach it flows into the Zuñi River. Reservoirs on this reach: Nutria Reservoir Number 2 and Nutria Reservoir Number 3. 2 gauges with at least 26 weeks of daily flow cover 1969 to 2026.
From the archive: NHDPlus river network, WBD watersheds, NHD waterbodies, TIGER urban areas and the report's gauges.
From the headwaters down
Each watershed segment in order, with last week's flow rated against the same week in 1991–2020.
Segment 1: Zuni
10 cfs last week much above normal, 234 dry days this year.
Median conductance 647 µS/cm in the 2010s. Rain over the last 3 months: 164% of normal.
Reservoirs
| Reservoir | Completed | Main purpose | Storage, acre-ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutria No. 2 | 1934 | Irrigation | 3,923 |
| Nutria No. 3 | Flood Risk Reduction | 1,466 | |
| Nutria No. 4 | Flood Risk Reduction | 1,057 |
From the archive: National Inventory of Dams (USACE) and the reservoir registry.
Water users
Surface water withdrawn, 2020
In the counties this river crosses (Cibola, McKinley): 4,115 acre-feet. County totals include other streams.
| Use | Share (bar) | Share | Acre-ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irrigated agriculture | 64% | 2,614 | |
| Reservoir evaporation | 36% | 1,463 | |
| Livestock | 1% | 39 |
State Engineer, New Mexico Water Use by Categories 2020.
Sources
Numbered sources for the statements above, as they were read when the page was prepared.