Lower Branch--Sec 28, T33n, R3e; Upper Branch--Sec 15, T33n, R3e To Sec 7, T32n, R4e river run
Lower Branch--Sec 28, T33n, R3e; Upper Branch--Sec 15, T33n, R3e To Sec 7, T32n, R4e
The Lower Branch features several challenging rapids like the Jaws, a tight chute with a steep drop, and the Meatgrinder, a large hole that can trap paddlers. The Upper Branch has several Class V rapids, such as the S-turn, a steep drop down a narrow chute, and the Sledgehammer, a large, powerful rapid with a sharp turn.
There are no specific regulations to the area, but it is recommended to obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management before accessing the river. It is also advised to wear proper safety equipment, such as a helmet and personal flotation device, and to paddle with a group.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Lower Branch--Sec 28, T33n, R3e; Upper Branch--Sec 15, T33n, R3e To Sec 7, T32n, R4e -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Navajo R At Banded Peak Ranch | 163 cfs | → |
| Navajo River Bl Oso Diversion Dam Nr Chromo | 85 cfs | → |
| Rio Blanco Bl Blanco Div Dam | 38 cfs | → |
| Conejos River Near Mogote | 657 cfs | → |
| Conejos River Below Platoro Reservoir | 316 cfs | → |
| La Jara Creek At Gallegos Ranch | 5 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Other river runs
- Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e
- Dipping Lakes--Sec 5, T33n, R4e To Confluence With West Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e
- Tierra Amarilla Grant Boundary To Colorado Stateline
- Sec 23, T32n, R5e To Sec 20, T32n, R6e (Co/Nm State Line)
- Sec 17, T35n, R4e To Sec 36, T35n, R4e
Campgrounds
- Trujillo Meadows Campground
- Trujillo Meadows
- Spectacle Lake
- Spectacle Lake Campground
- Conejos
- Elk Creek Overflow Campground
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Lower Branch--Sec 28, T33n, R3e; Upper Branch--Sec 15, T33n, R3e To Sec 7, T32n, R4e as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Lower Branch--Sec 28, T33n, R3e; Upper Branch--Sec 15, T33n, R3e To Sec 7, T32n, R4e
What's the optimal flow for Lower Branch--Sec 28, T33n, R3e; Upper Branch--Sec 15, T33n, R3e To Sec 7, T32n, R4e?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Lower Branch--Sec 28, T33n, R3e; Upper Branch--Sec 15, T33n, R3e To Sec 7, T32n, R4e.