Use and availability of continuous streamflow records in New Mexico
The use and availability of data collected at streamflow gaging stations in New Mexico is documented as the first phase of a three phase study of the cost-effectiveness of the stream gaging program. Presently, 143 continuous gaging stations are operated. Data collected at most gaging stations have multiple uses. Many stations are operated under the terms of eight legal compacts and two court decrees. These data provide the basis for distribution of irrigation water and operation of dams. Data from six stations are used for forecasting flood conditions. Water quality data are collected at many of the stations, ten of which have been designated as part of a national network of water quality data monitoring and two under the benchmark program. Data useful in the defining regional hydrology have been collected at a majority of the stations. All stations presently (1984) have sufficient justification for continued operations. (USGS)