Rio Chama

The Rio Chama, a major tributary river of the Rio Grande, is located in the U.S. states of Colorado and New Mexico. The river is about 130 miles (210 km) long altogether. From its source to El Vado Dam its length is about 50 miles (80 km), from El Vado Dam to Abiquiu Dam is about 51 miles (82 km), and from Abiquiu Dam to its confluence with the Rio Grande is about 34 miles (55 km).

Rio Chama
An early spring rafting trip down the Rio Chama in New Mexico
Map of the Rio Chama within New Mexico, showing reservoirs and "wild and scenic" stretch
Location
CountryUnited States
StateNew Mexico, Colorado
CountiesRio Arriba County, New Mexico, Archuleta County, Colorado, Conejos County, Colorado
Physical characteristics
SourceConfluence of West Fork and East Fork
  locationSan Juan Mountains, Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado
  coordinates37°05′36″N 106°33′06″W
  elevation9,440 ft (2,880 m)
MouthRio Grande
  location
San Juan Indian Reservation, New Mexico
  coordinates
36°2′32″N 106°5′16″W
  elevation
5,620 ft (1,710 m)
Length130 mi (210 km)
Basin size3,144 sq mi (8,140 km2)
Discharge 
  locationUSGS gage 08290000, 2.8 miles above mouth
  average571 cu ft/s (16.2 m3/s)
  minimum1.2 cu ft/s (0.034 m3/s)
  maximum15,000 cu ft/s (420 m3/s)
TypeWild, Scenic
DesignatedNovember 7, 1988

The name "Chama" is a shortened version of the Tewa term tsąmą' ǫŋwįkeyi, meaning "wrestling pueblo-ruin".

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