Surface runoff is much higher throughout the high northern mountains in the Rio Chama Watershed than elsewhere in the rest of the state of New Mexico.
Together, its elevated precipitation, recharge, and runoff, make the Chama River Watershed a quality water resource for the state, and parts of Texas and Mexico.
High altitude recharge of its groundwater and its cleansing hydrology make the Rios Gallina and Chama Watersheds unique, if not the most valuable natural resource in New Mexico, water bringing life to an often desert landscape.