Currently, there are two web sites that post gage readings for any of the Big Bend area crossings. Gage information is collected by the National Weather Service (NWS) and is distributed only to the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC). However, the IBWC may not post gage reports timely. The NPS collects manual "stick readings" daily from rangers at Castolon and Rio Grande Village. An excellent source for Big Bend info is Desert Sports' web site from Terlingua. The BBNPS faxes them river gage and weather data daily and it's posted on their web site. The USGS has not yet begun to collect and distribute any of this data directly on the internet due to IBWC's overriding authority and because no public need has yet been demonstrated to the USGS. Here are some phone numbers to call for Big Bend area river gage information:
IBWC Gages (Rio Grande, Pecos, Devils)
Desert Sports' Big Bend River Report
More Information on Rio Grande Issues Affecting Big Bend
Big Bend National Park, Dispatcher: 915/477-2252, Ext. 188
Big Bend National Park, Headquarters: 915/477-2251 (Hang on through the recording until a live ranger person picks up the phone).
Scott Shuttle Service, Marathon: 800/613-5041 or 915/386-4574
Far Flung Adventures, Terlingua: 915/371-2489
Desert Sports, Terlingua: Toll-free 888/989-6900
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Last updated April 23, 2000
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