Big runoff forecast in Gila streams

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Spring runoff is expected to be well above long-term averages on rivers flowing out of the Gila National Forest in southwestern New Mexico.

The New Mexico Natural Resources Conservation Service reported runoff on the Gila and San Francisco rivers between now and May is expected to be 2.5 times the normal spring volume.

It also expects runoff on the Mimbres River to be more than 4.5 times the historical average.

The forecast is based on the amount of snow in the mountains, which has been above average this winter.