Fire Weather Watch
2026-03-14T20:00:00-06:00

...RED FLAG WARNING SATURDAY FROM NOON UNTIL MIDNIGHT FOR THE NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NORTHEAST PLAINS, AND CENTRAL HIGHLANDS DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH SATURDAY FROM 3 PM UNTIL 8 PM FOR WESTERN NM, NORTH CENTRAL NM AND THE SANDIA AND MANZANO MOUNTAINS DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH SUNDAY FOR ALL OF NORTHERN AND CENTRAL NM FROM 9 AM THROUGH 8 PM DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Critical fire weather conditions will impact much of central and northern NM through the weekend. On Saturday, westerly winds will increase areawide, but will start earlier and linger longer across eastern NM. Therefore, long duration critical fire weather conditions are expected across much of eastern NM on Saturday, while a more focused period of critical fire weather conditions are possible from mid afternoon through early evening elsewhere. Very strong to damaging winds will develop early on Sunday and persist through the afternoon as both a Pacific and backdoor cold front press through the area. With gusts between 50 and 70 mph and single digit humidity values in many areas, critical to extreme fire weather conditions are likely despite cooling temperatures. * AREA AND TIMING...Northwest Plateau (Zone 101), West Central Mountains (Zone 105), West Central Basin and Range (Zone 109), North Central Mountains (Zone 120), Upper Rio Grande Valley and Lower Chama River Valley (Zone 121), Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zone 122), and Sandia and Manzano Mountains (Zone 124) on Saturday from 3 PM until 8 PM and again Sunday from 9 AM through 8 PM. * 20 FOOT WINDS...On Saturday, west winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. The strongest winds will be during the evening. On Sunday, northwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts between 45 and 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values between 6 and 15 percent with locally higher values across the peaks of the Tusas Mountains and Sangre de Cristo Mountains each day. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Jicarilla Apache Reservation Boundary To Nf Boundary Paddle Report

Paddle Report

Colorado

Last Updated: 2026-03-11

The Whitewater River Run from the Jicarilla Apache Reservation Boundary to the NF Boundary in Colorado covers a distance of approximately 19.8 miles.

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for this stretch of the river is between 300 and 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). The run is classified as Class III to IV, suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The river features several rapids, including the popular No Name Falls, a Class IV rapid that includes a 12-foot drop into a deep pool.

The regulations for this area require a permit for all river trips. The permit system is managed by the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The use of motorized watercraft is prohibited, and all camping must be done in designated campsites. Additionally, visitors are required to pack out all trash and leave the area as they found it.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run offers a challenging and scenic paddling experience for experienced kayakers and rafters. It is essential to check the streamflow conditions before embarking on a trip and to follow all regulations to ensure the safety of both visitors and the natural environment.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

15-Day Weather Outlook

River Run Details

Last Updated	2026-03-11
River Levels	1630 cfs (4.37 ft)
Percent of Normal	105%
Status
Class Level	iii-iv
Elevation	ft
Streamflow Discharge	cfs
Gauge Height	ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 09346400

Explore Interactive Map

Fire Weather Watch
Until 2026-03-14T06:00:00-06:00 • National Weather Service
...RED FLAG WARNING SATURDAY FROM NOON UNTIL MIDNIGHT FOR THE NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NORTHEAST PLAINS, AND CENTRAL HIGHLANDS DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH SATURDAY FROM 3 PM UNTIL 8 PM FOR WESTERN NM, NORTH CENTRAL NM AND THE SANDIA AND MANZANO MOUNTAINS DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH SUNDAY FOR ALL OF NORTHERN AND CENTRAL NM FROM 9 AM THROUGH 8 PM DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Critical fire weather conditions will impact much of central and northern NM through the weekend. On Saturday, westerly winds will increase areawide, but will start earlier and linger longer across eastern NM. Therefore, long duration critical fire weather conditions are expected across much of eastern NM on Saturday, while a more focused period of critical fire weather conditions are possible from mid afternoon through early evening elsewhere. Very strong to damaging winds will develop early on Sunday and persist through the afternoon as both a Pacific and backdoor cold front press through the area. With gusts between 50 and 70 mph and single digit humidity values in many areas, critical to extreme fire weather conditions are likely despite cooling temperatures. * AREA AND TIMING...Northwest Plateau (Zone 101), West Central Mountains (Zone 105), West Central Basin and Range (Zone 109), North Central Mountains (Zone 120), Upper Rio Grande Valley and Lower Chama River Valley (Zone 121), Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zone 122), and Sandia and Manzano Mountains (Zone 124) on Saturday from 3 PM until 8 PM and again Sunday from 9 AM through 8 PM. * 20 FOOT WINDS...On Saturday, west winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. The strongest winds will be during the evening. On Sunday, northwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts between 45 and 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values between 6 and 15 percent with locally higher values across the peaks of the Tusas Mountains and Sangre de Cristo Mountains each day. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.