2026-01-25T08:00:00-07:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches across much of eastern New Mexico with higher amounts of 8 to 16 inches above 9,000 feet. Localized areas in eastern Torrance, Guadalupe, and De Baca counties will receive between 8 and 10 inches. Bitterly cold temperatures will accompany the snow. * WHERE...Much of central to east central New Mexico, including Interstate 40 from Tijeras to Santa Rosa to the Texas border. * WHEN...Until 8 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel will become very difficult to impossible for an extended period of time, most notably along I-40 from Tijeras Canyon to the Texas border. The weight of accumulating snow will stress the power grid, potentially creating outages. An extended period of cold temperatures will increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Bitterly cold temperatures will also accompany this winter storm, with the coldest temperatures in the eastern plains of New Mexico. Temperatures will be coldest Sunday and Monday mornings when much of the eastern half of New Mexico will be in the single digits with wind chills below zero.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this section is between 400 and 800 cubic feet per second (cfs), with the highest water levels occurring during the snowmelt season from May to June.
This section is rated as Class III to IV, with several challenging rapids and obstacles along the way. The total segment mileage for this run is around 10 miles, starting at the headwaters of the river and ending at the confluence with the Rio San Antonio.
Some of the most notable rapids and obstacles on this section include Staircase, Corkscrew, Eye of the Needle, and Hell Hole. These rapids offer a mix of technical maneuvers and fast-paced drops, making for an exciting and adrenaline-filled ride.
When planning a trip to this section of the Whitewater River, it's important to note that there are specific regulations in place to protect the area's natural resources. This includes restrictions on camping, fishing, and hunting in certain areas, as well as guidelines for responsible river use and safety. It's essential to check with local authorities and obtain any necessary permits before embarking on this challenging whitewater adventure.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-11-13 |
| River Levels | 1360 cfs (4.84 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 114% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08246500 |
Hourly Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lagunitas
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Upper Lagunitas / Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds
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Lower Lagunitas
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Upper Lagunitas
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Cruces Basin Campground
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Hopewell Lake Campground
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Headwaters To Rio San Antonio
Headwaters To Private Land Boundary
Rio Nutritas To Stewart Meadows
Hopewell Lake To Nf Boundary
Headwaters To Nf Boundary