...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY, WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE, AND ALONG AND EAST OF THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Strong west winds aloft and a surface trough in the lee of the southern Rockies will produce strong winds today. West and northwest wind gusts will peak between 40 and 55 mph with the strongest gusts in the Central Highlands. Humidity will also plummet mostly into the single digits this afternoon. Outside of the warned area, locally critical fire weather conditions are likely today as far west as the continental divide. * AREA AND TIMING...Today from 9 AM to 8 PM MDT for the Northeast and East Central Plains (Zones 104 and 126); Northeast and Central Highlands (Zones 123 and 125); Sandia, Manzano, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zones 122 and 124); West Central Basin and Range (Zone 109); Middle and Upper Rio Grande Valley, and Lower Chama River Valley (Zones 106 and 121). * 20 FOOT WINDS...West and northwest winds 20 to 35 mph, with gusts peaking between 40 and 55 mph. Strongest gusts will occur in and near the Central Highlands. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values of 6 to 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 500 and 1500 cfs, with peak runoff occurring in May and June. The section is rated as Class III-IV on the International Scale of River Difficulty, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers.
The segment mileage for this section of the river is approximately 9 miles, and it features several notable rapids and obstacles, such as "Jaws," "Souse Hole," and "Rock Garden." Paddlers should be aware of the potential hazards and technical challenges posed by these rapids, and exercise caution when navigating the river.
There are also specific regulations that apply to this area, including restrictions on camping and fires, as well as guidelines for minimizing impact on the surrounding environment. Paddlers should familiarize themselves with these regulations and take care to adhere to them during their visit.
| Last Updated | 2026-04-22 |
| River Levels | 1420 cfs (5.77 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 31% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08290000 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Santa Barbara
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Santa Barbara Campground
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Hodges
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Llanito Frio Campground
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Comales Campground
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Comales
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