Selected Hydrologic Data for the 

Upper Rio Hondo Basin, Lincoln County, 

New Mexico, 1945-2003

By Lisa C. Donohoe

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Prepared in cooperation with 

LINCOLN COUNTY

Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5275
U.S. Department of the Interior

Gale A. Norton, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Charles G. Groat, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2004

For sale by U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services

Box 25286, Denver Federal Center

Denver, CO 80225

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endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to

reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.
 iii

Contents

Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Purpose and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Description of Study Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Hydrologic Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Water-Level Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Streamflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Precipitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Summary of Aquifer-Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Data Gaps and Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

References Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Figures

1-3. Maps Showing—

1. Location of study area, upper Rio Hondo Basin, N. Mex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

2. Generalized surficial geologic map of the Lincoln County study area 

(Modified from Mourant, 1963). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

3. Mourant (1963) water-level contours and March 2003 water-level contours and altitudes . . . . .9

4-11. Graphs Showing—

4. Water level over time in well T09S R14E 10.13221. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5. Water level over time in well T09S R14E 12.32423. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6. Water level over time in well T09S R14E 25.34221. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

7. Water level over time in well T09S R16E 28.33134. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

8. Water level over time in well T10S R15E 16.444323. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

9. Water level over time in well T10S R17E 19.433124. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

10. Water level over time in well T11S R13E 22.13214. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

11. Water level over time in well T11S R14E 15.432334. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

12. Map showing water-level increase or decrease since Mourant’s (1963) study, streamflowgaging station and discharge measurement locations, precipitation station locations, and 

aquifer-test locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

13-16. Graphs Showing—

13. Total annual streamflow at Rio Ruidoso at Hollywood, N. Mex., streamflow-gaging 

station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

14. Total annual streamflow at Eagle Creek below South Fork near Alto, N. Mex., streamflowgaging station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

15. Annual precipitation at Capitan, N. Mex. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 1990-2002) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

16. Annual precipitation at Ruidoso, N. Mex. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 1990-2002) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
iv 

Tables

1. Well locations and dates of water-level measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2. Streamflow-gaging stations, station identification numbers, and periods of record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3. Locations and results of aquifer tests performed in the study area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Conversion Factors and Datum

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 

(NGVD 29).

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27).

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in.) 2.54 centimeter (cm)

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)

Area

square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer (km2)

Flow rate

foot per day (ft/d) 0.3048 meter per day (m/d)

Specific capacity

gallon per minute per foot (gal/min/ft) 0.2070 liter per second per meter (L/s/m)

gallon per day per foot (gal/d/ft) 12.418 liter per day per meter (L/d/m)
Selected Hydrologic Data for the Upper Rio Hondo Basin, 

Lincoln County, New Mexico, 1945-2003

By Lisa C. Donohoe

Abstract

Demands for ground and surface water have increased in 

the upper Rio Hondo Basin due to increases in development and 

population. Local governments are responsible for land-use and 

development decisions and, therefore, the governments need 

information about water resources in their areas. Hydrologic 

data were compiled for the upper Rio Hondo Basin and waterlevel data were collected during two synoptic measurements in 

March and July 2003.

Water-level data from March 2003 were contoured and 

compared with contours constructed in 1963. The 5,600-, 

5,700-, and 5,800-foot March 2003 contours indicate that water 

levels rose. The 5,500-foot contour for March 2003 indicates a 

decline in water level. The 5,400-foot contour of March 2003 

and the 1963 contour mostly coincide, indicating a static water 

level. The 5,300- and 5,200-foot contours for March 2003 cross 

the 1963 contours, indicating a decline in water levels near the 

Rio Ruidoso but a rise in water levels near the Rio Bonito. In 

eight hydrographs, 2003 water levels are shown to be higher 

than water levels from the mid- to late 1950’s in five of the eight 

wells. For the same period of record, water levels in the three 

remaining wells were lower. Rising and declining water levels 

were highest in the northern part of the study area; the median 

rise was 4.01 feet and the median decline was 3.51 feet. In the 

southern part of the study area, the median water-level rise was 

2.21 feet and the median decline was 1.56 feet.

Introduction

In October 2001, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in 

cooperation with Lincoln County, south-central New Mexico, 

began an investigation to study the water resources of the upper 

Rio Hondo Basin. Increases in (1) population, (2) subdivision 

proposals, and (3) applications for permits to change locations 

of wells and places of use have prompted the need for more 

detailed water-resources information. This water-resources 

information will help Lincoln County planners and State officials address water-resources issues in the area.

As development and population in the upper Rio Hondo 

Basin have increased, so have the demands for ground and surface water and the concerns of current residents about their 

water resources. Local governments need a clear understanding 

of water resources in their areas because they are responsible for 

land-use and development decisions, decisions that must take 

water availability into account (New Mexico Office of the State 

Engineer, 2003a).

Purpose and Scope

This report presents water-level data for the upper Rio 

Hondo Basin collected during two synoptic measurements in 

2003: a map of current (March 2003) water levels compared 

with a water-level map of the study area published by Mourant 

(1963); hydrographs of selected wells and streamflow and 

discharge measurements; streamflow-gaging station and discharge-measurement locations, identification numbers, and 

periods of record; annual precipitation data for stations in 

Capitan and Ruidoso; and locations and results of aquifer tests 

performed in the study area.

Available data were compiled from records maintained by 

the USGS and the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer 

(OSE) and from published reports and reports of public record. 

Types of data are discussed that are not available but would be 

beneficial to water-resources planners.

Information regarding losing and gaining reaches of the 

Rio Ruidoso, Rio Bonito, and Eagle Creek sometimes was 

contradictory (Follet, 1918; Powell, 1954; Mourant, 1963; 

Hall, 1964; W.K. Summers and Associates, 1977, 1984; 

Hirsch, 1986; Newcomer and Shomaker, 1991; Wasiolek, 

1991; Atkins Engineering Associates, Inc., 1993, 2000; and 

Daniel B. Stephens and Associates, Inc., 2000). Because of contradictory information in these references, stream/aquifer interaction is not discussed in this report.

Description of Study Area

The upper Rio Hondo Basin (the Basin) is located in 

Lincoln and Otero Counties and the Mescalero Apache Indian 

Reservation in south-central New Mexico (fig. 1). In Lincoln 

County, the study area includes only the Basin. The Basin consists of two smaller subbasins of about equal area: the Rio 

Bonito and the Rio Ruidoso. Both subbasins lie south and east 

of the Capitan and Sacramento Mountains. The Rio Hondo is 

formed at the confluence of the Rio Bonito and Rio Ruidoso. 

Landscapes range from forested mountains to desert grasslands 

to vegetated riparian zones.
2 Selected Hydrologic Data for the Upper Rio Hondo Basin, Lincoln County, New Mexico, 1945-2003

The area north of Rio Bonito is geologically and structurally complex (fig. 2). Figure 2 is a geologic map of the study 

area.

Tourism is a major component of the economy in the upper 

Rio Hondo Basin. The relatively cool summer climate encourages activities such as hiking, mountain biking, camping, and 

fishing. During the winter months, crowds are drawn to the 

snowy mountains for skiing and other winter sports. Additional 

contributors to the economy include ranching and irrigated agriculture.

Ground-water development is increasing in the Basin to 

meet the demands of increased tourism and to supply homes for 

new residents. New subdivisions are often centered on golf 

courses. Wilson and others (2003, p. 56) stated, “In many communities, self-supplied golf courses represent the largest water 

users in the commercial category.”

Methods

A total of 70 wells were used in this study. Water levels in 

33 of these wells were published in Mourant (1963). Sixty-six 

wells were measured in March 2003, 64 wells were measured in 

July 2003, and 1 well was measured in January 2003. Principal 

water-yielding units in which the wells are completed were 

obtained from Mourant (1963) and OSE field books and are 

listed in table 1.

A March 2003 water-level contour map was created for 

comparison with Mourant’s (1963) water-level contour map 

(fig. 3). Contours published in Mourant (1963) were digitized 

for inclusion in this report (fig. 3).

Not all wells located in the Basin and published in Mourant 

were used in the current study; some wells could not be located, 

many were destroyed, or a reliable water level could not be 

measured. Additional wells in which water-level measurements 

could be obtained were selected on the basis of (1) historical 

water-level measurements by the USGS or the OSE and (2) the 

need for a water-level measurement in a particular area. In addition, non-domestic wells were chosen over domestic wells. 

Domestic wells were considered unsuitable because of daily use 

and the resulting drawdown around the wells, which often is not 

representative of the regional water level.

March and July were selected for water-level measurements because these 2 months typically correspond to periods 

when water levels are highest and lowest in the area, respectively. Most water levels were measured using a steel tape; the 

remainder were measured using an electric tape. Measurements 

are accurate to within 0.02 foot.

0 100 200 MILES

0 100 200 KILOMETERS

LINCOLN

COUNTY

36 ̊

34 ̊

32 ̊

108 ̊ 106 ̊ 104 ̊

N E W M E X I C O

Figure 1. Location of study area, upper Rio Hondo Basin, N. Mex.
Hydrologic Data 3

Contour flexures near streams generally indicate groundand surface-water interaction. For example, upgradient flexures 

(pointing upstream) in contours generally indicate ground water 

flowing toward and recharging a stream; conversely, downgradient flexures (pointing downstream) generally indicate water 

flowing from the streambed to the aquifer. In this report, no specific attempt was made to indicate ground- and surface-water 

interaction through flexures in contours because of a paucity of 

data. 

Acknowledgments

The author thanks Tom Stewart, Lincoln County Commissioner, and Patsy Sanchez, Lincoln County Planning Director, 

for their cooperation and support of the study. Walter Mourant, 

a USGS retiree, shared his historical knowledge of the study 

area. Ken Fresquez of the OSE in Roswell provided well information and answered many questions. Doug Rappuhn of the 

OSE in Santa Fe shared his knowledge of the study area and 

many reports. The Village of Ruidoso and Fort Stanton allowed 

access to several of their wells. Special thanks are extended to 

residents of the study area for sharing valuable information and 

granting access to their wells.

Hydrologic Data

Water-level, streamflow, and precipitation data are discussed in this section. Aquifer-test results also are discussed.

Water-Level Changes

Water-level altitudes were contoured using 64 water levels 

measured in March 2003 and 1 water level measured in January 

2003 for comparison with 1963 water levels (Mourant, 1963) 

(fig. 3). The area north of Rio Bonito was not contoured because 

it is geologically and structurally complex.

Water levels were measured in 61 wells in both March and 

July 2003, and all water levels either rose or declined; no water 

level remained static (table 1). During that time, water levels 

rose as much as 65.02 feet (well 25) and declined as much as 

53.9 feet (well 66). Excluding these two extremes of the range, 

water levels rose as much as 8.08 feet and declined as much as 

10.25 feet. Of the 61 wells measured in both March and July 

2003, water levels were lower in 52 of them in July 2003 than 

in March 2003. Because the seasonal water-level change in 54 

of the 61 wells was less than 5 feet, the contours are probably a 

reasonable approximation of year-round water levels.

Water levels in wells 25 and 66 differed by greater than 

50 feet between the March and July 2003 measurements 

(table 1). The water level in well 25 rose 65.02 feet between the 

March and July 2003 measurements. This rise in well 25 was 

most likely due to pumping of the well prior to and during the 

March 2003 measurement. The well was not pumping and had 

not been pumped for at least several weeks prior to the July 

2003 measurement. The water level in well 66 declined 53.9 

feet between March and July 2003. The primary use of well 66, 

as reported in the Water Administration Technical Engineering 

Resource System (New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, 

2003c), is for irrigation. Use of the well likely increased 

between water-level measurements.

Compared with the 1963 contours (Mourant, 1963), the 

March 2003 contours indicate areas of rising, declining, and 

static water levels (fig. 3). Specifically, the 5,600-, 5,700-, and 

5,800-foot March 2003 contours indicate that water levels rose. 

The 5,500-foot contour for March 2003 indicates a decline in 

water level. The 5,400-foot contours of March 2003 and 1963 

mostly coincide, indicating a static water level in this area. The 

5,300- and 5,200-foot contours for March 2003 cross the 

comparable1963 contours, indicating a decline in water levels 

near the Rio Ruidoso but a rise in water levels near the Rio 

Bonito. The limitations of Mourant’s (1963) data and the March 

2003 data and the subjective nature of contouring need to be 

taken into consideration when interpreting differences between 

1963 and March 2003 contours.

The eight well hydrographs (figs. 4-11) in this report also 

were included in Mourant (1963) (table 1). Data for the hydrographs are stored in the USGS database, National Water Information System (http://water.usgs.gov/nwis). In the hydrographs, March 2003 water levels are higher than water levels 

from the mid- to late 1950’s in five of the wells (wells 20, 

fig. 4; 21, fig. 5; 29, fig. 6; 41, fig. 8; and 54, fig. 9). For the 

same period of record, water levels in three wells were lower 

(wells 33, fig. 7; 61, fig. 10; and 65, fig. 11).

Comparisons of water levels published in Mourant (1963) 

and water levels measured in March 2003 are shown in 

figure 12. With the exceptions of wells 15 and 61, values are the 

difference between March 2003 water levels and Mourant 

(1963) water levels. Well 15 was not possible to measure in 

March 2003 because of broken equipment on the well; therefore, the July 2003 measurement was used to calculate the 

water-level difference. Well 61 was not measured in March or 

July 2003; therefore, the January 2003 measurement was used 

to calculate the water-level difference.

Within the study area, the rising and declining water levels 

were highest in the northern part of the Rio Bonito Basin 

(fig. 12). Water levels rose 28.56 feet in well 13, 22.18 feet in 

well 14, and 22.67 feet in well 20. Water levels declined 

162.2 feet in well 25 and 69.74 feet in well 30 (table 1).

The rising water levels in wells 13, 14, and 20 may be the 

result of anthropogenic factors. In June 1988, well 13 was noted 

to be abandoned with a water level of 60.9 feet below land surface (New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, unpublished 

data, 1988). In October 1993, in the subsequent visit to the well, 

a new windmill had been installed at the well and the water level 

had risen approximately 30 feet. The well may have been 

redrilled and screened in a deeper water-yielding unit when the 

new windmill was installed between 1988 and 1993. Well 14 

was deepened from 125 to 200 feet (New Mexico Office of the 

State Engineer, unpublished data, 1979). In 1956 the total depth
33 ̊30' 33 ̊40' 33 ̊20' 105 ̊50' 105 ̊40' 105 ̊30' 105 ̊20'

R 11 E R 13 E R 14 E R 15 E R 16 E 

R 12 E

R 10 E

R 11 E

R 11 E

R 12 E

Capitan

Angus

Ruidoso

Ruidoso

Downs

Carrizozo

 San

Patricio

Hollywood

Glencoe

Lincoln

Alto

Fort Stanton

MESCALERO APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION BOUNDARY Base compiled from U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle maps, SCS quadrangle maps, and

BLM Grazing Service maps

Km

Kmv

Kmv

Kmv

Tc

Tc

Tc

Ti

Ti

Ti

Ti

Ti

Py

Py

Py

Py

QTp

QTp

Km

Kd

Kd

Pa

Pa

Psu

Psu

Psu

Psu

Psh

Psh

Ti

Ti

Qaf

Qal

Qal

Qal

Qal

TRs

TRc

Psh

1

2 3 6

5 7

12 11

10

9

8

13

31

30 18

19

20

24

26

27

15

16

14

17

37

21

22

23

32

28

29 3334

52

39

42

43

46

47

45

48 50

51 49

41 44

38

40

60

63

62

61

68

66 67

64

65

53

57

25

35

36

CAPITAN MOUNTA

INS

SACRAMENTO MOUNTAINS

0 5 0 5 10 K

V

Sierra Blanca  Peak

OTERO COUNTY

LINCOLN COUNTY
CFWW

EXPLANATION

Qal

Qaf

QTp

Ti

Tc

Kmv

Km

63

Quaternary alluvium

Quaternary alluvial fans

Quaternary pediment gravel

Tertiary igneous—Intrusives and extrusives

Tertiary Cub Mountain Formation

Cretaceous Mesaverde Group, undivided

Cretaceous Mancos Shale

Permian Upper San Andres Limestone

Triassic Santa Rosa Sandstone

Triassic Chinle Formation

Cretaceous Dakota Sandstone

Permian Hondo Sandstone

Member

Permian Yeso Formation

Permian Artesia Formation

Kd

TRcTRs

Pa

PsuPsh

Py

Figure 2. Generalized surficial geologic map of the Lincoln County study area (Modified from Mourant, 1963).
6 Selected Hydrologic Data for the Upper Rio Hondo Basin, Lincoln County, New Mexico, 1945-2003

Table 1. Well locations and dates of water-level measurements.

[Water-yielding unit—Quaternary (Q): alluvium (Qal); Tertiary (T): Cub Mountain Formation (Tc), intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks (Ti); Cretaceous (K): 

Mancos Shale (Km), Dakota Sandstone (Kd), Mesaverde Group (undivided) (Kmv); Triassic (Tr): Chinle Formation (TRc), Santa Rosa Sandstone (TRs); Permian 

(P): Artesia Formation (Pa), San Andres Limestone (Psa), Glorieta Sandstone (Pg), Yeso Formation (Py). Water-level measurements for wells highlighted in bold 

are shown in hydrographs in figures 4-11. Altitudes shown to the tenth were surveyed by the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer. Altitudes listed as a whole 

number were estimated from U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps. Altitude datum National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 

(NGVD 29); --, no data]

Well 

identifier 

(fig. 3)

Well location Mourant (1963) 

well location

Landsurface 

altitude 

(NGVD 29)

Principal 

wateryielding 

unit

Depth 

of well 

(feet)

Water level 

(feet below land surface)

Reported 

in 

Mourant 

(1963)

March 

2003

July 

2003

1 T08S R14E 07.212 -- 7,245 Kd (TRs?) -- -- 42.87 47.70

2 T08S R14E 19.41121 T08S R14E 19.411 6,872.1 Km 120 100.2 94.63 95.28

3 T08S R14E 21.444 -- 6,690 Qal 145 -- 53.03 53.35

4 T08S R14E 21.444323 -- 6,695 Qal 78 -- 57.16 57.40

5 T08S R14E 22.231113 T08S R14E 22.142 6,655 Km 106 130 107.48 107.59

6 T08S R14E 22.342332 -- 6,600 Km 110 -- 58.81 59.08

7 T08S R14E 23.113311 -- 6,611.5 Kd (Km?) 102 -- 73.40 73.48

8 T08S R14E 26.31412 T08S R14E 26.314 6,453.2 Km -- 18.3 18.19 17.31

9 T08S R14E 28.212 -- 6,760 Km 250 -- 110.08 110.54

10 T08S R14E 28.221 -- 6,700 Km 200 -- 60.23 62.67

11 T08S R14E 28.333123 -- 6,683 Km -- -- 158.91 150.83

12 T08S R14E 30.414442 T08S R14E 30.432? 6,638 Kmv -- 60?? 23.64 24.97

13 T08S R15E 21.43314 T08S R15E 28.211 6,664.1 TRs 140 54.6 26.04 36.29

14 T09S R13E 21.31214 T09S R13E 21.312 7,130 Km (Kmv?) 200 81 58.82 63.27

15 T09S R13E 24.242 T09S R13E 24.242 6,682 Tc 55 15 -- 118.51

16 T09S R13E 25.23111a -- 6,735 Qal -- -- 12.02 --

17 T09S R13E 27.311434 T09S R13E 27.311a 7,002 Ti 130 42.6 44.02 45.14

18 T09S R14E 03.13123 T09S R14E 03.131 6,382.7 Km 19 13.5 9.49 9.81

19 T09S R14E 08.133212 -- 6,530.4 Km(?) 250 -- 20.90 20.60

20 T09S R14E 10.13221 T09S R14E 10.132 6,338.5 Km 320 59.4 36.73 37.74

21 T09S R14E 12.32423 T09S R14E 12.324 6,216.9 TRs 120 54.2 51.23 53.36

22 T09S R14E 12.441 -- 6,200 TRs -- -- 38.34 42.09

23 T09S R14E 13.12124 T09S R14E 13.121 6,269 TRc 138 120 116.66 112.80

24 T09S R14E 15.111414 T09S R14E 15.112 6,410 Km 150 -- 30.52 30.19

25 T09S R14E 20.32323 T09S R14E 20.323 6,782 Km 240 38 200.20 135.18

26 T09S R14E 21.22221 -- 6,450.6 Km 25 -- 17.73 --

27 T09S R14E 21.333341 T09S R14E 21.333 6,633.3 Km 150 48.8 44.06 46.69

28 T09S R14 25.23342 T09S R14E 25.233 6,231.1 Psa 394.5 203 212.57 215.74

29 T09S R14E 25.34221 T09S R14E 25.324 6,207.8 Qal 45 19.6 19.52 20.65

30 T09S R15E 05.234444 T09S R15E 05.412 6,241 Pa 180 162.8 232.54 --

31 T09S R15E 06.32224 T09S R15E 06.411 6,219 Pa 180 71.3 71.87 72.96

32 T09S R15E 15.33133 T09S R15E 15.331 5,987.4 Pg 120 12.1 9.88 10.22

33 T09S R16E 28.33134 T09S R16E 28.333a 5,707.2 Qal 61 30.3 32.05 32.78

34 T09S R16E 33.112311 -- 5,702.9 Py 130 -- 38.27 38.71

35 T10S R12E 36.12322 -- 7,844.6 Ti 500+ -- -- 422.40
Hydrologic Data 7

36 T10S R12E 36.231 -- 7,780 Ti -- -- 420.88 --

37 T10S R13E 03.42433A -- 7,100 Tc -- -- 43.31 44.90

38 T10S R13E 22.13331 -- 7,400 Kmv 93 -- 69.68 75.12

39 T10S R14E 16.332331 T10S R14E 16.331 7,030 Kd 396 336.3 327.01 326.95

40 T10S R14E 19.233244 T10S R14E 19.233 6,910 Km 43 45.9 28.82 32.26

41 T10S R15E 16.444323 T10S R15E 21.222 5,891.2 Py 40 33.4 32.88 33.02

42 T10S R15E 18.242132 -- 6,200 Qal 24 -- 15.23 15.72

43 T10S R15E 19.214242 -- 6,125 Qal (Pg?) 60 -- 65.65 63.32

44 T10S R15E 22.122312 T10S R15E 22.124 5,844.1 Qal 20 14.4 14.90 15.62

45 T10S R15E 26.323113 T10S R15E 26.332a 5,734.5 Qal 55 11.3 9.09 9.55

46 T10S R15E 29.44112 -- 6,068 Pg 60 -- 53.10 53.38

47 T10S R15E 33.412242 T10S R15E 33.412 5,899.2 Qal 130 81.9 81.25 81.61

48 T10S R15E 34.221 -- 5,860 Psa 140 -- 99.94 101.08

49 T10S R15E 34.224 -- 5,910 Psa 189 -- 146.99 148.29

50 T10S R15E 34.422 -- 5,880 Psa 175 -- -- 123.04

51 T10S R15E 35.311 -- 5,910 Psa 200 -- 157.65 159.19

52 T10S R16E 12.32421 -- 5,485.6 Py 425 -- 14.07 14.75

53 T10S R16E 25.313423 -- 5,411.5 Qal 86 -- 57.84 58.60

54 T10S R17E 19.433124 T10S R17E 19.434 5,354.8 Qal 95 29.3 26.92 29.48

55 T10S R17E 29.423 -- 5,475 Py 130 -- 90.01 91.78

56 T10S R17E 29.423312 T10S R17E 29.423 5,381.6 Py 67 63.0 62.34 63.03

57 T10S R17E 32.34430 T10S R17E 32.344 5,255.0 Qal 69 9.8 11.00 11.27

58 T10S R17E 33.314 -- 5,290 Qal 136 -- 107.00 113.25

59 T10S R17E 33.33300 -- 5,248.9 Qal 90 -- 38.39 46.39

60 T11S R13E 09.33343 T11S R13E 09.333 7,064.3 TRc 100 19.6 23.63 25.18

61 T11S R13E 22.13214 T11S R13E 22.134 6,848.1 Km 225 62.7 288.78 --

62 T11S R13E 22.34213 T11S R13E 22.431 6,724.2 Km 119 -- 12.61 12.89

63 T11S R13E 23.22321 -- 6,710 Pg 500 -- 45.28 48.03

64 T11S R14E 15.4131312 T11S R14E 15.413 6,201.3 Qal 100 24.6 26.52 26.47

65 T11S R14E 15.432334 T11S R14E 15.431 6,235.6 Qal 90+ 59.9 60.46 60.54

66 T11S R14E 29.112 -- 6,340 Py 189 -- 75.29 129.19

67 T11S R14E 29.121423 -- 6,360 Py 122 -- 74.82 75.46

68 T11S R14E 30.242 -- 6,380 Qal 315 -- 87.19 --

69 T11S R17E 04.124 -- 5,238 Py (Qal?) 240 -- 57.16 59.40

70 T11S R17E 11.134 -- 5,200 Py 260 -- 66.63 67.12

Table 1. Well locations and dates of water-level measurements.—Continued

[Water-yielding unit—Quaternary (Q): alluvium (Qal); Tertiary (T): Cub Mountain Formation (Tc), intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks (Ti); Cretaceous (K): 

Mancos Shale (Km), Dakota Sandstone (Kd), Mesaverde Group (undivided) (Kmv); Triassic (Tr): Chinle Formation (TRc), Santa Rosa Sandstone (TRs); Permian 

(P): Artesia Formation (Pa), San Andres Limestone (Psa), Glorieta Sandstone (Pg), Yeso Formation (Py). Water-level measurements for wells highlighted in bold 

are shown in hydrographs in figures 4-11. Altitudes shown to the tenth were surveyed by the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer. Altitudes listed as a whole 

number were estimated from U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps. Altitude datum National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 

(NGVD 29); --, no data]

Well 

identifier 

(fig. 3)

Well location Mourant (1963) 

well location

Landsurface 

altitude 

(NGVD 29)

Principal 

wateryielding 

unit

Depth 

of well 

(feet)

Water level 

(feet below land surface)

Reported 

in 

Mourant 

(1963)

March 

2003

July 

2003
5800

5600

5400

7300

7200

7000

6800

6600

6400

6200

6000

5800

5400

5600

CAPITAN MOUNTAINS

SACRAMENTO MOUNTAINS

Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 1:100,000Lambert Conformal Conic ProjectionNorth American Datum of 1927 (NAD27)National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NVGD29)

0 5 0 5 10 KI

Upper Rio HondoBasin boundary

MESCALERO APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION BOUNDARY

380

70

48

48

37

Rio 

Bonito

Rio Ruidoso

Eagle Creek

Capitan

Alto

Angus

Ruidoso Ruidoso Downs

FortStanton

Carrizozo

 San

Patricio

Hollywood

Glencoe

Lincoln

26

6,432.87

39

6,702.99

62

6,711.59

46

6,014.90 53

5,353.66

34

5,664.63

43

6,059.35

66

6,264.71

25

6,581.80

31

6,147.13

22

6,161.66

23

6,152.34

18

6,373.21

10

6,639.77

1

7,202.13

2

6,777.47

9

6,649.92

12

6,614.36

4

6,637.84

3

6,636.97 5 6,547.52

7

6,538.10

6

6,541.19

8

6,435.01 11 6,524.09

19

6,509.50

20

6,301.77 24

6,379.48

27

6,589.24

21

6,165.67

28

6,018.53

29

6,188.28

32

5,977.52

30

6,008.46

13

6,638.06

33

5,675.15

52

5,471.53

14

7,071.18

17

6,957.98 16

6,722.98

37

7,056.69

38

7,330.32

36

7,359.12

60

7,040.67

63

6,664.72

61

6,759.32

68

6,292.81

67

6,285.18

65

6,175.14

64

6,174.78

40

6,881.18

42

6,184.77

45

5,725.41

44

5,829.20

41

5,858.32

47

5,817.95

51

5,752.35 49

5,763.01

48

5,760.06

59

5,210

5

5,24

33 ̊30'33 ̊40'33 ̊20'

105 ̊50' 105 ̊40' 105 ̊30' 105 ̊20'

R 11 E R 13 E R 14 E R 15 E R 16 E 

R 12 E

R 10 E

R 11 E

R 11 E

R 12 E

V

Sierra Blanca  Peak

OTERO COUNTY

LINCOLN COUNTY
Water-level contours published in Mourant, 1963— Contour interval 100 feet. Datum is NGVD29Water-level contours based on March 2003 data— Dashed where approximately located. Contour interval 100 feet. Water levels measured north of Rio Bonito were not contoured because the area is geologically and structurally complex.  Datum is NGVD29WellWell identifier (table 1)Water-level altitude, March 2003 

EXPLANATION

6,292.81

68

Figure 3. Mourant (1963) water-level contours and March 2003 water-level contours and altitudes.
10 Selected Hydrologic Data for the Upper Rio Hondo Basin, Lincoln County, New Mexico, 1945-2003

of the well was 125 feet and the water level was 81.01 feet 

below land surface. In 1979 the total depth of the well was 

200 feet and the water level was 54.82 feet below land surface. 

Between 1956 and 1979, the water level rose approximately 

26 feet in the well. Well 20 was being used as a public supply 

well by the Village of Capitan when its water level was measured by Mourant in 1955 (U.S. Geological Survey, unpublished data, 1955). Currently (2003) the well is used 

occasionally by a small business and is located near wetlands 

that may recharge the well.

Water levels in wells 25 and 30 declined 162.2 and 

69.74 feet, respectively. In well 25, the reported water level was 

38 feet below land surface in March 1957. By August 1988, the 

subsequent visit to well 25, the water level had declined to 

144 feet below land surface. Well 30 was possibly redrilled and 

completed in a deeper water-yielding unit after Mourant visited 

the well in March 1956. In 1956, the depth of the well was 

reported by Mourant (1963) to be 180 feet and the water level 

was 162.8 feet below land surface. In January 1979, the water 

level was 159.14 feet below land surface. In January 1984, the 

water level was 223.05 feet below land surface, about 64 feet 

deeper than the previous measurement. Because of the differences in water levels, the total depth of the well was measured 

again in 1984 and was approximately 240 feet deep (New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, unpublished data, 1984).

Overall, of the 22 wells in the Rio Bonito Basin for which 

water levels were published in Mourant (1963) and measured in 

2003, water levels rose in 15 wells and declined in 7 wells. The 

median rise of water levels was 4.01 feet with a range of 0.08 to 

36.36 feet; the median decline was 3.51 feet with a range of 0.57 

to 162.2 feet. The previously described possible causes for the 

largest rises and declines need to be considered when evaluating 

the data.

Of the 11 wells in the Rio Ruidoso Basin for which water 

levels were published in Mourant (1963) and measured in 

March 2003, water levels rose in five wells and declined in six 

wells. The median rise of water levels was 2.21 feet with a range 

of 0.52 to 17.08 feet; the median decline was 1.56 feet with a 

range of 0.50 to 26.08 feet.

Streamflow

Hydrographs for streamflow-gaging stations Rio Ruidoso 

at Hollywood and Eagle Creek below South Fork near Alto are 

shown in figures 13 and 14. The drainage areas for these two 

streams are 8.14 and 120 square miles, respectively. The Hollywood gaging station has been in operation for about 51 years. 

Upstream from this station, the Village of Ruidoso diverts water 

for municipal use and returns a portion of the water as effluent 

from a sewage disposal plant downstream from the station 

(Byrd and others, 2003). The Eagle Creek gaging station has 

been in operation for about 26 years. Upstream from the Eagle 

Creek station, water is stored in small, unregulated recreational 

ponds on the Mescalero Apache Reservation (Byrd and others, 

2003).

Though streamflow data have been collected at additional 

locations in the study area, the periods of record at the gaging 

stations are relatively short and, therefore, do not provide information on streamflow trends (table 2). Three streamflow-gaging stations are currently (2003) in operation in the upper Rio 

Hondo Basin; they include the two stations discussed in the previous paragraph and the Rio Ruidoso at Ruidoso gaging station. 

A hydrograph of data collected at Rio Ruidoso at Ruidoso is not 

included because of its relatively short period of record (about 

5 years).

Precipitation

Annual precipitation data are shown for stations in Capitan 

and Ruidoso (figs. 15 and 16). The altitudes of the stations are 

6,477 and 6,937 feet, respectively (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1990-2002). Annual average precipitation from 1971 to 2000 for Capitan was 17.27 inches. For the 

same period, the average annual precipitation for Ruidoso was 

22.17 inches (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1990-2002). Higher altitudes in the study area receive 

greater amounts of precipitation. For example, Sierra Blanca 

Peak, at an altitude of 11,973 feet, receives an average estimated annual precipitation (1971-2000) of 41.25 inches. Capitan Peak, at an altitude of 10,083 feet, receives an average estimated annual precipitation (1971-2000) of 25.47 inches (U.S. 

Geological Survey, 1981; Oregon Climate Service, 2004). The 

lower altitudes in the study area, generally toward the south and 

east, receive lesser amounts of precipitation. For example, the 

town of Hondo (fig. 2) is at an altitude of 5,220 feet and receives 

an average estimated annual precipitation (1971-2000) of 

13.70 inches (U.S. Geological Survey, 1989; Oregon Climate 

Service, 2004).

The current (2003) drought in the Southwest is being compared to the Southwest drought of 1942 to 1956. In comparison, 

the 1980’s to 1998 were relatively wet years for New Mexico. 

In November 2003, however, Lincoln County was designated a 

primary disaster area because of losses caused by drought 

(U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2003). Community wells in 

the upper Rio Hondo Basin went dry in the summer of 2003 

(J. Hernandez, New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, written commun., 2004). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (2003, p. 3) stated “ . . . severe, long-duration 

(longer than 10 years) droughts are a common feature of New 

Mexico’s climate.”
Hydrologic Data 11

ALTITUDE, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD29

WATER LEVEL, IN FEET

BELOW LAND SURFACE

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

6,265

6,270

6,275

6,280

6,285

6,290

6,295

6,300

6,305

6,310

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

T09S R14E 10.13221

Water level reported in Mourant, 1963

Well 20

ALTITUDE, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD29

WATER LEVEL, IN FEET

BELOW LAND SURFACE

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

6,155

6,150

6,145

6,140

6,160

6,165

6,170

6,175

6,180

6,185

35

30

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

T09S R14E 12.32423

Water level reported in Mourant, 1963

Well 21

Figure 4. Water level over time in well T09S R14E 10.13221.

Figure 5. Water level over time in well T09S R14E 12.32423.
12 Selected Hydrologic Data for the Upper Rio Hondo Basin, Lincoln County, New Mexico, 1945-2003 ALTITUDE, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD29 WATER LEVEL, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

6,155

6,160

6,165

6,170

6,175

6,180

6,185

6,190

6,195

6,200

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

T09S R14E 25.34221

Water level reported in Mourant, 1963

Well 29

ALTITUDE, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD29

WATER LEVEL, IN FEET

BELOW LAND SURFACE

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

5,650

5,655

5,660

5,665

5,670

5,675

5,680

5,685

5,690

5,695

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

T09S R16E 28.33134

Water level reported in Mourant, 1963

Well 33

Figure 6. Water level over time in well T09S R14E 25.34221.

Figure 7. Water level over time in well T09S R16E 28.33134.
Hydrologic Data 13

ALTITUDE, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD29

WATER LEVEL, IN FEET

BELOW LAND SURFACE

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

5,835

5,840

5,845

5,850

5,855

5,860

5,865

5,870

5,875

5,880 10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

T10S R15E 16.444323

Water level reported in Mourant, 1963

Well 41

ALTITUDE, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD29

WATER LEVEL, IN FEET

BELOW LAND SURFACE

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

5,305

5,300

5,310

5,315

5,320

5,325

5,330

5,335

5,340

5,345

5,350 5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

T10S R17E 19.433124

Water level reported in Mourant, 1963

Well 54

Figure 8. Water level over time in well T10S R15E 16.444323.

Figure 9. Water level over time in well T10S R17E 19.433124.
14 Selected Hydrologic Data for the Upper Rio Hondo Basin, Lincoln County, New Mexico, 1945-2003 ALTITUDE, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD29 WATER LEVEL, IN FEET

BELOW LAND SURFACE

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

6,730

6,740

6,750

6,760

6,770

6,780

6,790

6,800

6,810

6,820

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

120

T11S R13E 22.13214

Water level reported in Mourant, 1963

Well 61

ALTITUDE, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD29

WATER LEVEL, IN FEET

BELOW LAND SURFACE

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

6,155

6,160

6,165

6,170

6,175

6,180

6,185

6,190

6,195

6,200 35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

T11S R14E 15.432334

Water level reported in Mourant, 1963

Well 65

Figure 10. Water level over time in well T11S R13E 22.13214.

Figure 11. Water level over time in well T11S R14E 15.432334.
Data Gaps and Needs 15

Summary of Aquifer-Test Results

Aquifer tests performed on wells can provide important 

information about the hydraulic properties of the aquifers from 

which the wells produce water. Hydraulic aquifer properties are 

used by consultants, government regulators, and planners to 

help determine the rate at which water can be pumped from an 

aquifer without impairing nearby wells.

Aquifer-test results were compiled primarily from reports 

of public record obtained from the OSE. Results of aquifer tests 

were obtained for 25 wells within the study area (table 3). Of the 

25 wells with aquifer-test data, 16 are clustered east and northeast of Alto between Rio Bonito and Eagle Creek (fig. 13).

Several wells have results for more than one aquifer test, 

more than one type of aquifer-test analysis, or results from analyses by more than one consultant; therefore, the hydraulic properties for a well often range in values (table 3). Transmissivity, 

hydraulic conductivity, specific capacity, and storativity values 

are listed in table 3. Transmissivity is equal to the product of the 

hydraulic conductivity and aquifer thickness. Hydraulic conductivity is the volume of water that will move through the surrounding material in a unit of time. Specific capacity, the ratio 

of the pumping rate to drawdown of the water in a well, is both 

a measure of the capacity of an aquifer to transmit water to a 

well and of the capacity of the well screen to transmit water 

from the aquifer into the well casing. Storativity is a measure of 

the volume of water that an aquifer releases from or takes into 

storage per unit area under a unit change in head.

Tertiary igneous intrusives and extrusives (Ti) transmissivity values ranged from 39.8 to 22,000 gal/d/ft. Only one 

value each of hydraulic conductivity and specific capacity was 

reported for the volcanics, 4.63 ft/d and 0.07 gal/min/ft, respectively. The two storativity values were 0.0003 and 0.0014.

Transmissivity values of the Cretaceous Mesaverde Formation (Kmv) ranged from 350 to 2,576 gal/d/ft. Hydraulic 

conductivity ranged from 0.39 to 3.44 ft/d. No specific capacity 

values were reported for the Mesaverde, and storativity ranged 

from 0.0001 to 0.005.

Cretaceous Mancos Shale (Km) transmissivity values 

ranged from 100 to 1,957 gal/d/ft. Hydraulic conductivity 

ranged from 0.04 to 1.60 ft/d. No specific capacity values were 

reported for the Mancos Shale. Storativity ranged from 0.0001 

to 0.03.

Several wells were screened in the Mancos Shale and Cretaceous Dakota Sandstone (Kd). Transmissivity values of these 

wells ranged from 934 to 24,343 gal/d/ft, and hydraulic conductivity ranged from 0.20 to 5.28 ft/d. Only one value of specific 

capacity was reported, 0.96 gal/min/ft, and storativity ranged 

from 0.0001 to 0.0005.

The Permian San Andres Formation (Psa) transmissivity 

values ranged from 1 to 429,000 gal/d/ft. The transmissivity 

value of 429,000 gal/d/ft was calculated using data collected 

during well recovery. The well recovered within 5 minutes and 

three measurements were taken during this time. Due to the limited amount of data associated with the transmissivity value of 

429,000 gal/d/ft, this value should be used with caution. The 

range of transmissivity values becomes 1 to 25,366 gal/d/ft 

when the anomalous value of 429,000 gal/d/ft is not included. 

Hydraulic conductivity of the San Andres ranged from 1.26 to 

42.31 ft/d. Only two values of specific capacity were reported: 

~1 and 5.1 gal/min/ft. Storativity ranged from 0.0001 to 0.005.

Data Gaps and Needs

The concentration of aquifer-test data near Alto and the 

sparsity in other areas of the upper Rio Hondo Basin indicate a 

need for more aquifer tests in other parts of the basin. In particular, information would benefit planning efforts from aquifer 

tests in areas of rapid population growth that characterize 

hydraulic properties (1) of aquifers traditionally used for water 

supplies and (2) of aquifers that may have marginal water quality but could be used for future water supplies. Aquifer tests 

conducted in geologically and structurally complex areas to 

determine the degree to which the variable geology and structure influence hydraulic properties and the lateral continuity of 

aquifers also would be beneficial. Additional knowledge about 

the water resources in the upper Rio Hondo Basin will help 

local and State officials make prudent land-use and development decisions. Understanding the needs of local officials and 

residents and working closely with the OSE and other agencies 

are necessary to guide future scientific studies. Future studies 

may include examination, description, and reporting of drill 

cuttings and geophysical logging of wells being deepened or 

installed, especially in areas where the population is increasing 

and in communities where current wells are going dry. Drill cuttings and geophysical logs will provide information about possible localized confining units and water-yielding characteristics of the rocks.

Very few wells are measured regularly in the Eagle Creek 

Basin by either the USGS or the OSE. A reconnaissance of the 

basin and identification of wells appropriate for regular measurement are necessary to develop a useful network. If wells 

appropriate for regular measurement are not identified and 

located, drilling of new wells may be necessary in areas where 

information is needed.

Reports submitted to the OSE as part of a subdivision proposal estimate recharge when approximating 40-year water supplies. A substantial proportion of recharge in the upper Rio 

Hondo Basin occurs as mountain-front recharge (Waltemeyer, 

2001). Chloride-balance and water-yield regression methods 

are used to estimate mountain-front recharge (Anderholm, 

2001). Not only are recharge estimates necessary to approximate 40-year water supplies, recharge is also an important 

parameter in ground-water models. Recharge estimates help 

provide information about the estimated time necessary to 

replenish water-yielding units, flow paths from recharge areas 

to supply wells, and where recharge is likely occurring.
OTERO COUNTY Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 1:100,000 Lambert Conformal Conic Projection

North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27)National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NVGD29)

OTERO COUNTY

LINCOLN COUNTY

MESCALERO APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION BOUNDARY

Upper Rio HondoBasin boundary

380

70

48

37

2

—

5.6

12

—

36.4

5

22.5

8

—

0.1

13

28.6

30

69.7

31

—

0.6

32

—

2.2

18

—

4.0

20

22.7

21

—

3.0 23

—

3.3

15

—

3.5

14

22.2

17

—

1.4

25

162.2

27

—

4.7

28

—

9.6

29

—

0.1

40

17.1

39

—

9.3 41

—

0.5

44

—

0.5

45

—

2.2

33

—

1.8

47

—

0.6

65

—

0.6

64

—

1.9

60

—

4.0 61

—

26.1

1

12

13

2

3

4

5

6

8

9

A

C

B

E

D

F

H

GJ

K L

I

M

0

N P

S

R

T

U

Q

V

W

X

Y

Rio 

Bonito

Rio Ruidoso

Eagle Creek

Capitan

Alto

Angus

Ruidoso Ruidoso Downs

FortStanton

Carrizozo

 San

Patricio

Hollywood

Glencoe

Lincoln

33 ̊30'33 ̊40'33 ̊20'

105 ̊50' 105 ̊40' 105 ̊30' 105 ̊20'

R 11 E R 13 E R 14 E R 15 E R 16 E 

R 12 E

R 10 E

R 11 E

R 11 E

R 12 E

CAPITAN MOUNTAINS

SACRAMENTO MOUNTAINS

0 5 0 5 1

V

Sierra Blanca  Peak
EXPLANATION

More than 25-foot increase

10- to 25-foot increase

0- to 10-foot increase

0- to 10-foot decrease

10- to 25-foot decrease

25- to 50-foot decrease

More than 50-foot decrease

Well identifier (table 1)Difference between water level measured in  March 2003 and water level reported in Mourant (1963)—Values rounded for space

consideration. Water-level measurements

 listed in table 1. Two exceptions: well 15

 was measured in July 2003 and well 61 was

measured in January 2003

Streamflow-gaging station and identifier (tabPrecipitation station

Y Aquifer-test location and well identifier (tabl

3

65

0.6

Figure 12. Water-level increase or decrease since Mourant’s (1963) study, streamflow-gaging station and discharge measuremeprecipitation station locations, and aquifer-test locations.
18 Selected Hydrologic Data for the Upper Rio Hondo Basin, Lincoln County, New Mexico, 1945-2003

Rio Ruidoso at Hollywood, N. Mex.

08387000

TOTAL ANNUAL STREAMFLOW, IN ACRE FEET

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

TOTAL ANNUAL STREAMFLOW, IN ACRE FEET

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

Eagle Creek below South Fork near Alto, N. Mex.

08387600

Figure 13. Total annual streamflow at Rio Ruidoso at Hollywood, N. Mex., streamflow-gaging station.

Figure 14. Total annual streamflow at Eagle Creek below South Fork near Alto, N. Mex., streamflowgaging station.
Data Gaps and Needs 19

Table 2. Streamflow-gaging stations, station identification numbers, and periods of record.

[--, no station number]

Station 

identifier 

(fig. 12)

Streamflow-gaging station

Station 

identification 

number

Period of record

From To

1 Rio Ruidoso at Ruidoso, N. Mex. 08386505 10/28/98 09/30/04

2 F. Herrera Ditch south at Hollywood, N. Mex. 08386900 04/29/60 09/28/68

09/29/70 09/28/83

3 Rio Ruidoso at Hollywood, N. Mex. 08387000 09/29/53 09/30/04

4 Rio Ruidoso near Glencoe, N. Mex. 08387500 08/17/10 11/06/11

5 Eagle Creek below South Fork near Alto, N. Mex. 08387600 08/25/69 12/29/80

04/25/88 09/30/04

6 Eagle Creek near Alto, N. Mex. 08387800 09/29/69 12/29/80

7 Rio Ruidoso at Hondo, N. Mex. 08388000 08/09/30 09/28/55

8 Rio Bonito at Angus, N. Mex. 08388500 07/01/08 08/31/09

08/10/30 10/08/31

9 1Rio Bonito near Lincoln, N. Mex. 08389055 07/01/08 07/14/09

08/12/30 10/08/31

04/01/99 10/07/02

10 Rio Bonito at Hondo, N. Mex. 08389500 08/07/30 09/28/55

11 Rio Hondo at Hondo, N. Mex. 08390000 08/08/30 07/31/31

12 Rio Ruidoso at Glencoe, N. Mex. -- 06/16/08 07/17/09

13 Bonito River below Fort Stanton, N. Mex. -- 05/21/08 08/31/09

1

The site name for 1908-09 data is Bonito River at Government Springs near Fort Stanton, N. Mex. The location descriptions for Bonito River at Government Springs near Fort Stanton, N. Mex., and Rio Bonito near Lincoln, N. Mex., 

plot the sites very close to one another and are likely the same location.
20 Selected Hydrologic Data for the Upper Rio Hondo Basin, Lincoln County, New Mexico, 1945-2003 ANNUAL PRECIPITATION, IN INCHES

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

No data

1971-2000 average

(17.27 inches)

Capitan

1950196019701980199020002010

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

1950196019701980199020002010

1971-2000 average

(22.17 inches)

Ruidoso No data No data No data

ANNUAL PRECIPITATION,

IN INCHES

Figure 15. Annual precipitation at Capitan, N. Mex. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1990-2002).

Figure 16. Annual precipitation at Ruidoso, N. Mex. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1990-2002).
Data Gaps and Needs 21

Table 3. Locations and results of aquifer tests performed in the study area.

[gal/d/ft, gallons per day per foot; ft/d, feet per day; gal/min/ft, gallons per minute per foot; --, no data; NMOSE, New Mexico Office of the State Engineer]

Well 

identi

-fier 

(fig. 3)

Well location

Principal 

wateryielding 

unit 

(fig. 2)

Well description Type of test Date of test

A T09S R13E 33.114 Kmv LaMay Ranch Estates Drawdown and recovery July 21-23, 1976

B T09S R15E 18.232 Psu Village of Capitan Drawdown April 25-26, 1985

B T09S R15E 18.232 Psu Village of Capitan Drawdown April 25-26, 1985

B T09S R15E 18.232 Psu Village of Capitan Recovery April 25-26, 1985

B T09S R15E 18.23224 Psu Village of Capitan Drawdown April 25-26, 1985

B T09S R15E 18.23224 Psu Village of Capitan Drawdown April 25-26, 1986

C T10S R12E 36.122 Ti Village of Ruidoso Drawdown --

D T10S R13E 11.2424 Km/Kd The Hideout Well No. 6 Drawdown January 2-3, 2001

D T10S R13E 11.2424 Km/Kd The Hideout Well No. 6 Drawdown January 2-3, 2001

E T10S R13E 11.3111 Kmv The Hideout Well No. 9 Step drawdown January 23, 2001

E T10S R13E 11.3111 Kmv The Hideout Well No. 9 Step drawdown January 23, 2001

F T10S R13E 25.22243 Km Alto Village Drawdown September 1-3, 1981

F T10S R13E 25.22243 Km Alto Village Drawdown September 1-3, 1981

G T10S R13E 26.41111 Km Alto Village Drawdown --

H T10S R13E 34.123 Km Alto Village Well #9 Drawdown and recovery August 3-9, 1977

H T10S R13E 34.123 Km Alto Village Well #9 Discharge data --

I T10S R13E 34.223 Km Alto Village Well #10 Recovery August 3-9, 1977

I T10S R13E 34.223 Km Alto Village Well #10 Discharge data --

J T10S R13E 34.232 Km Alto Village Well #5 Drawdown and recovery August 3-9, 1977

J T10S R13E 34.232 Km Alto Village Well #5 Discharge data --

K T10S R13E 34.311 Km Alto Village Well #2 (Old) Discharge data --

L T10S R13E 34.311 Km Alto Village Well #2 (New) Step drawdown April 9-11, 1980

L T10S R13E 34.3111 Km Alto Village Well #2 (New) Drawdown --

M T10S R13E 34.413 Kmv Alto Village Well #1A Discharge data --

N T10S R13E 35.343 Km Alto Village E-1 at 375 feet Step drawdown June 2, 1983

N T10S R13E 35.343 Km Alto Village E-1 at 670 feet Step drawdown August 16, 1983

N T10S R13E 35.34313 Km Alto Village E-1 Drawdown 1July 26-27, 19??

N T10S R13E 35.34313 Km Alto Village E-1 Drawdown 1July 26-27, 19??

O T10S R13E 35.43314 Km/Kd Alto Village Drawdown October 30-November 4, 1995

O T10S R13E 35.43314 Km/Kd Alto Village Drawdown October 30-November 4, 1995

O T10S R13E 35.43314 Km/Kd Alto Village Drawdown October 30-November 4, 1995

O T10S R13E 35.43314 Km/Kd Alto Village Drawdown October 30-November 4, 1995

P T10S R13E 35.434 Km/Kd Alto Village E-2 Step drawdown August 24, 1983

P T10S R13E 35.43432 Km/Kd Alto Village E-2 Drawdown --

Q T10S R14E 01.31234 Psu Sierra Blanca Airport Drawdown --

R T10S R14E 19.424 TRs Rainmakers Subdivision S-7 Drawdown and recovery May 9-10, 2003

S T10S R14E 20.313 TRs Rainmakers Subdivision S-4 Drawdown --

T T10S R14E 20.313 Psu Rainmakers Subdivision S-6 Drawdown and recovery March 21-27, 2003

U T10S R14E 21.323 Psu Rainmakers Subdivision S-5 Drawdown April 17-21, 2002

V T10S R14E 30.14122 Psu Sun Mountain Drawdown May 21-22, 1997

V T10S R14E 30.14122 Psu Sun Mountain Drawdown May 21-22, 1997

W T11S R13E 09.222 Ti Well A Drawdown June 21-23, 2002

W T11S R13E 09.222 Ti Well A Drawdown and recovery June 21-23, 2002

X T11S R13E 09.223 Ti Well B Drawdown June 21-23, 2002

Y T11S R13E 23.22 Psu/Py Gavilan Canyon Step drawdown July 11, 2001

Y T11S R13E 23.22 Psu/Py Gavilan Canyon Drawdown and recovery July 12-13, 2001
22 Selected Hydrologic Data for the Upper Rio Hondo Basin, Lincoln County, New Mexico, 1945-2003

Table 3. Locations and results of aquifer tests performed in the study area.—Continued

[gal/d/ft, gallons per day per foot; ft/d, feet per day; gal/min/ft, gallons per minute per foot; --, no data; NMOSE, New Mexico Office of the State Engineer]

Well 

identifier 

(fig. 

12)

Well location Transmissivity

(gal/d/ft)

Hydraulic 

conductivity

(ft/day)

Specific 

capacity 

(gal/min/ft)

Storativity Reference

New Mexico Office of the 

State Engineer file number

A T09S R13E 33.114 1,162 to 1,898 -- -- 0.005 4 --

B T09S R15E 18.232 18,166 -- -- 0.0001 5 H-1943-Expl (H-685-S2)

B T09S R15E 18.232 8,622 to 9,341 -- -- -- 5 H-1943-Expl (H-685-S2)

B T09S R15E 18.232 429,000 -- 5.1 -- 6 H-1943-Expl

B T09S R15E 18.23224 19,535 to 25,366 -- -- -- 7 H-1943-Expl

B T09S R15E 18.23224 25,000 42.31 -- -- 5 H-1943-Expl

C T10S R12E 36.122 22,000 4.63 -- 0.0014 5 --

D T10S R13E 11.2424 2,592 0.63 -- 0.0001 5 H-3050(3)

D T10S R13E 11.2424 1,937 -- -- -- 5 H-3050(3)

E T10S R13E 11.3111 2,576 20.56 to 33.44 -- 0.0001 5 H-3046(1)

E T10S R13E 11.3111 606 -- -- -- 5 H-3046(1)

F T10S R13E 25.22243 1,913 1 -- 0.0001 5 H-719-S-14

F T10S R13E 25.22243 1,278 to 1,957 -- -- -- 5 H-719-S-14

G T10S R13E 26.41111 443 0.19 -- -- 5 H-719-S-11

H T10S R13E 34.123 600 to 1,600 0.53 to 0.90 -- 0.006 to 0.009 8 H-719-S-8

H T10S R13E 34.123 300 to 650 0.27 to 0.57 -- 0.001 8 H-719-S-8

I T10S R13E 34.223 540 0.16 -- -- 8 H-719-S-9

I T10S R13E 34.223 100 0.09 -- 0.001 8 H-719-S-9

J T10S R13E 34.232 990 to 1,800 0.88 to 1.60 -- 0.014 8 H-719-S-4

J T10S R13E 34.232 1,000 to 1,400 0.90 to 1.24 -- 0.001 8 H-719-S-4

K T10S R13E 34.311 150 0.67 -- 0.001 8 H-719-S (Old)

L T10S R13E 34.311 200 to 800 -- -- 0.03 9 H-719-S (New)

L T10S R13E 34.3111 160 0.04 -- -- 5 H-719-S (New)

M T10S R13E 34.413 350 to 600 0.39 to 0.67 -- 0.001 8 H-719

N T10S R13E 35.343 290 0.11 -- -- 10 H-719-S-16 (H-719-E-1)

N T10S R13E 35.343 1,400 0.31 -- -- 10 H-719-S-16 (H-719-E-1)

N T10S R13E 35.34313 1,957 0.42 -- 0.00045 5 H-719-S-16 (H-719-E-1)

N T10S R13E 35.34313 1,004 to 1,432 -- -- -- 5 H-719-S-16 (H-719-E-1)

O T10S R13E 35.43314 22,296 to 24,343 -- -- 0.0004 to 0.0005 10 H-719-S-18

O T10S R13E 35.43314 22,298 to 24,340 -- -- 0.0004 to 0.0005 5 H-719-S-18

O T10S R13E 35.43314 23,320 5.28 -- 0.00045 5 H-719-S-18

O T10S R13E 35.43314 1,632 -- 0.96 -- 5 H-719-S-18

P T10S R13E 35.434 2,200 0.49 -- -- 10 H-719-S-17 (H-719-E-2)

P T10S R13E 35.43432 934 0.20 -- -- 5 H-719-S-17 (H-719-E-2)

Q T10S R14E 01.31234 4,000 3.02 -- -- 5 H-2049-Expl

R T10S R14E 19.424 4,000 -- -- 0.005 11 H-1122-S-7 (H-3408-Expl)

S T10S R14E 20.313 4,000 -- -- 0.005 11 H-1122-S-4

T T10S R14E 20.313 1,000 to 1,650 -- -- 0.005 11 H-1122-S-6 (H-3409-Expl) 

U T10S R14E 21.323 1 -- -- 0.005 11 H-1122-S-5

V T10S R14E 30.14122 2,803 21.26,32.55 ~1 0.0001 5 H-694

V T10S R14E 30.14122 1,372 -- -- -- 5 H-694

W T11S R13E 09.222 101 -- 0.07 -- 12 H-03148

W T11S R13E 09.222 39.8 to 56 -- -- -- 12 H-03148

X T11S R13E 09.223 412 -- -- 0.0003 12 H-02496

Y T11S R13E 23.22 -- -- 17.5 to 28.7 -- 13 H-272-S-9

Y T11S R13E 23.22 79,288 to 177,276 -- 17.5 -- 13 H-272-S-9

1

Year of test not legible on author’s copy. 2Calculated using saturated thickness. 3Calculated using screened interval. 4Earth Environmental Consultants, Inc., 1976. 5Daniel B. Stephens and Associates, Inc., 2000. 6

Atkins-Landfair, Inc., 1985. 7Hirsch, 1986. 8W.K. Summers & Associates, 1977. 9W.K. Summers & Associates, 1980. 10W.K. Summers & Associates, 1983. 11New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, 2003b. 12Darr, 2003. 13Peery and Finch, 2001.
Summary 23

Water quantity is a major concern in the upper Rio Hondo 

Basin, but water quality also becomes an issue in populated 

areas. The 2003 New Mexico State Water Plan (New Mexico 

Office of the State Engineer, 2003a, p. 2) says, “Water quality 

issues must have equal standing with water quantity issues.” 

Though mountain aquifers and streams often provide high-quality water due to recharge from snowmelt and rain, septic tanks 

can negatively affect water quality. According to the New Mexico Environment Department (2000, p. 2), septic tanks are “the 

single largest source of ground-water pollution in the state.” In 

addition, other activities within the upper Rio Hondo Basin may 

affect water quality. Once contaminated, aquifers and streams 

are extremely expensive to remediate and, in many cases, remediation is not feasible at any cost. Periodic water-quality sampling will help provide data about the effects of population 

increases in the upper Rio Hondo Basin.

Summary

Hydrologic data were compiled for the upper Rio Hondo 

Basin and water-level data were collected during two synoptic 

measurements in March and July 2003. This water-resources 

information will help Lincoln County planners and State officials address water-resources issues in the area.

A total of 70 wells were used in this study. Water levels in 

33 of the wells were published in an OSE report in 1963. Sixtysix wells were measured in March 2003, 64 wells were measured in July 2003, and 1 well was measured in January 2003. 

Compared with the 1963 contours, the 5,600-, 5,700-, and 

5,800-foot March 2003 contours indicate that water levels rose. 

The 5,500-foot contour for March 2003 indicates a decline in 

water level. The 5,400-foot contours for March 2003 and 1963 

mostly coincide, indicating a static water level. The 5,300- and 

5,200-foot contours for March 2003 cross the 1963 contours, 

indicating a decline in water levels near the Rio Ruidoso but a 

rise in water levels near the Rio Bonito. 

In eight well hydrographs, 2003 water levels are higher 

than water levels from the mid- to late 1950’s in five of the 

wells. For the same period of record, water levels in three wells 

were lower.

Within the study area, the rising and declining water levels 

were highest in the northern part of the study area. The median 

rise of water levels was 4.01 feet and ranged from 0.08 to 

36.36 feet. The median decline of water levels was 3.51 feet and 

ranged from 0.57 to 162.2 feet. In the southern part of the study 

area, the median rise of water levels was 2.21 feet and ranged 

from 0.52 to 17.08 feet. The median decline in water levels was 

1.56 feet and ranged from 0.50 to 26.08 feet.

Transmissivity values, in units of gallons/day/foot, ranged 

from 39.8 to 22,000 in the igneous intrusives and extrusives; 

from 350 to 2,576 in the Mesaverde; from 100 to 1,957 in the 

Mancos Shale; from 934 to 24,343 in the Mancos Shale and 

Dakota Sandstone; and from 1 to 429,000 in the San Andres. 

Hydraulic conductivity, in units of feet/day, was 4.63 (only one 

value reported) in the igneous intrusives and extrusives; ranged 

from 0.39 to 3.44 in the Mesaverde; ranged from 0.04 to 1.60 in 

the Mancos Shale; ranged from 0.20 to 5.28 in the Mancos 

Shale and Dakota Sandstone; and ranged from 1.26 to 42.31 in 

the San Andres. Specific capacity, in units of gallons/minute/

foot, was 0.07 (only one value reported) in the igneous intrusives and extrusives; 0.96 (only one value reported) in the Mancos Shale and Dakota Sandstone; and ~1 and 5.1 (two values 

reported) in the San Andres. Specific capacity values were not 

reported for the Mesaverde and Mancos Shale. Storativity, 

dimensionless, was 0.0003 and 0.0014 for the igneous intrusives and extrusives; ranged from 0.0001 to 0.005 in the Mesaverde; ranged from 0.0001 to 0.03 in the Mancos Shale; ranged 

from 0.0001 to 0.0005 in the Mancos Shale and Dakota Sandstone; and ranged from 0.0001 to 0.005 in the San Andres. 

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