The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District warned that there will likely be minimal flows in the Rio Grande as it flows through the Albuquerque area in the coming days and weeks. In fact, the water managers say some portions of the river may run dry in Albuquerque.
This is because the amount of water entering the river has decreased over the past couple of weeks. Summer storms had helped keep water flowing through the riverbed, but, without significant rain in the forecast, the river conditions are expected to decline.
MRGCD officials told water users in their September Water Update that there would be limited irrigation deliveries this month. The district stopped releasing water from storage on Sept. 6.
“Available water supply will be limited for the remainder of the irrigation season if rain does not boost available water supply,” the update stated.
The public should avoid exploring dry river areas because rain upstream can cause flash flooding and walking in the dry riverbed could permanently damage the habitat.
