Cimarron River (NM) above Cimarron

1. 12.50 ftRecord breaking flooding is occurring along the Cimarron River from the Cimarron Canyon region through southern sections of Cimarron and along Philmont Boy Scout Ranch property. Much of U.S. Highway 64 is flooded and the canyon section is inaccessible. All travelers are urged to avoid the region until flood waters subside.
2. 10.00 ftThe Cimarron River is in flood, approaching levels of the great flood of 1965. Water and debris cover U.S. Highway 64 in the Cimarron Canyon along several sections and camprgounds are in danger of being inundated. Further downstream from Cimarron to the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch, the state highway 21 bridge over the Cimarron River just south of Cimarron is in danger of being overtopped or the approaches to the bridge are already flooded. Philmont Ranch property is also flooding.
3. 5.00 ftThe Cimarron River from near Ute Park to just west of Cimarron is out of its banks and minor flooding is occuring along this reach. Further upstream in Cimarron Canyon, water may be flowing across U.S. Highway 64 and flooding campgrounds in the canyon. Further river rises in the canyon could render the highway impassable. Further downriver from Cimarron to the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch, additional flow contributed by Rayado Creek and Ponil Creek could flood campsites on the Philmont Scout Ranch.

Chance of flooding, October to December

The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 28, 2026.

Most recent crests

• September 7, 2019: 9.52 ft
• August 7, 2019: 6.28 ft
• August 7, 2019: 6.28 ft
• July 28, 2019: 6.38 ft
• July 23, 2019: 6.44 ft
• June 17, 2019: 6.62 ft
• June 7, 2019: 5.08 ft
• August 20, 2018: 5.19 ft
• August 18, 2018: 5.02 ft
• August 16, 2018: 8.15 ft

• DownstreamCimarron River (NM) at Springer
• Cimarron River (NM) at Eagle Nest Reservoir
• Vermejo River at Dawson
• Costilla Creek at Costilla Reservoir
• Canadian River at Taylor Springs
• Rio Pueblo De Taos at Taos
• Rio Grande at Cerro
• Mora River at La Cueva

Forecasts by the Arkansas-Red Basin RFC. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available. River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time. River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 18 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.

Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.