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.
Summary
This stretch of river is approximately 16 miles long and is rated as a Class III-IV whitewater run. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 900 and 1500 cubic feet per second (cfs), which typically occurs during the spring runoff season. However, it is important to note that the flow can change rapidly due to the unpredictable nature of the river.
There are several rapids and obstacles along the Whitewater River Run, including "Deadman's Drop," "The Oven," and "The Narrows." These rapids are known for their steep drops, tight chutes, and technical maneuvers. It is recommended that only experienced whitewater paddlers attempt this section of river.
There are specific regulations in place for the Whitewater River Run, including a permit requirement for commercial outfitters and a limit on the number of commercial trips allowed per day. Additionally, all boaters are required to follow Leave No Trace principles and adhere to all local rules and regulations.
In summary, the Whitewater River Run in New Mexico is a challenging and technical Class III-IV whitewater run. It spans 16 miles and is best paddled during the spring runoff season when the flow is between 900 and 1500 cfs. There are several rapids and obstacles along the way, and only experienced paddlers should attempt this section of river. It is important to follow all regulations and Leave No Trace principles while on the river.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2026-03-11 |
| River Levels | 0 cfs (7.8 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 3% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 09386900 |
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
McGaffey
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McGaffey Campground
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Quaking Aspen
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Nf Boundary With Silva Ranch To The East To Nf Boundary With Tnc To The South