National Weather Service California Nevada River Forecast Center Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service

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PAJARO RIVER - CHITTENDEN (AROC1)
Latitude: 36.90º NLongitude: 121.60º WElevation: 82 Feet
Location: Santa Cruz County in CaliforniaBulletin Group: Central CoastRiver Group: Salinas/Pajaro
Action/Monitor: 22.0 FeetMinor Flood: 24.1 FeetModerate Flood: N/A Major Flood: 27.1 Feet
Please Note:
Observed Data Credit
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Raw streamflow data is provided by the US Geological Survey (USGS).
View US Geological Survey (USGS) Data for this station location.

Historical Mean Daily Stage/Flow Data
Water Year
Peak Discharge (cfs)
Stage (feet)
Date
 Most Recent 5 Years
2025
2,300
15.19
Feb 14, 2025
2024
2,340
15.48
Feb 8, 2024
2023
13,200
29.11
Mar 11, 2023
2022
1,150
11.57
Dec 28, 2021
2021
1,160
9.97
Jan 29, 2021
 Historical High Stage/Flow Events (Period of Record - February 1938* to Present) - Ranked by Flow
1998
25,100
33.73
Feb 3, 1998
1956
24,000
32.46
Dec 24, 1955
1958
23,500
33.11
Apr 3, 1958
1995
21,500
32.20
Mar 11, 1995
1969
17,800
23.90
Feb 25, 1969
1997
15,800
29.53
Jan 03, 1997
1983
15,800
28.03
Mar 02, 1983
 * Missing data during 1939, otherwise record complete
Location Photographs
ESRI™ Locator Map
Flood Impacts
33.73 FeetStage and flow of record. 02/03/1998. 25,100 cfs
29.0 FeetLevees protecting Watsonville and Pajaro at risk of failure. Flooding throughout the Pajaro Valley.
27.1 FeetMajor Flood Stage. Levees protecting Pajaro at risk of overtopping at lowest points or severely strained if sandbagged. Seepage likely throughout the levee system.
25.1 FeetWater levels within 2 feet of top of levee protecting Pajaro.
24.1 FeetMinor Flood Stage. Water levels within 3 feet of top of levee protecting Pajaro. Increased potential for seepage through levee at vulnerable locations.
22.0 FeetMonitor Stage. Water beginning to rise onto levee slopes.
Official 7 Day National Weather Service Forecast   (CAZ529)
rest of Tonight: Rain. Lows in the lower 50s. Southwest winds around 5 mph.

Sunday: Rain in the morning, then a chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 60s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Lows around 50. South winds 10 to 20 mph.

Monday: Rain in the morning, then a chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s. West winds 10 to 20 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy. A chance of rain in the evening, then a slight chance of rain after midnight. Lows in the mid 40s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Tuesday: Partly cloudy. A slight chance of rain. Highs in the lower 60s.

Tuesday Night and Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Patchy fog. Lows in the mid 40s. Highs in the lower 60s.

Wednesday Night: Patchy fog. Rain likely. Lows in the upper 40s.

Thursday: Rain likely. Highs around 60.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy in the evening then becoming partly cloudy. A chance of rain. Lows in the mid 40s.

Friday: Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming sunny. A slight chance of rain. Highs in the lower 60s.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s.

Saturday: Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.
Product Disclaimer

This river graphic is not intended to serve as a substitute for official flood watches, warnings, advisories, or statements issued by the NWS San Francisco Bay Area-Monterey Weather Forecast Office. Observations are preliminary and subject to change. River levels identified as "forecast" should be consistent with those contained in official NWS products. River levels identified as "guidance" have significant uncertainty due to future weather or reservoir regulation and are provided for planning purposes only.