2026-04-23T20:00:00-06:00
...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.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this section is between 500-1500 cfs, which typically occurs during the spring snowmelt season. The class rating of this section is Class III-IV, with some rapids reaching Class V during high water levels. The segment mileage for this section is approximately 10 miles.
Some of the notable rapids and obstacles on this section include the Entrance, which is a technical rapid with multiple routes depending on water levels. The Corner Pocket is another Class V rapid that requires precise maneuvering. The Pinball Rapid is a long Class IV rapid with several large boulders in the middle of the run that create challenging obstacles.
There are some specific regulations to the area, such as a permit requirement for commercial outfitters and a limit on the number of daily permits issued. Additionally, all visitors must follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid disturbing the natural environment.
Regional Streamflow Levels
Red River Near Questa
|
23cfs |
Red River Below Fish Hatchery
|
30cfs |
Rio Grande Near Cerro
|
88cfs |
Rio Hondo Near Valdez
|
14cfs |
Rio Lucero Near Arroyo Seco
|
9cfs |
Costilla Creek Near Costilla
|
7cfs |
15-Day Long Term Forecast
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2026-04-22 |
| River Levels | 166 cfs (3.88 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 37% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08265000 |
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cabresto Lake
|
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Cabresto Lake Campground
|
||
La Bobita Campground
|
||
Goat Hill
|
||
Goat Hill Campground
|
||
Columbine
|
Headwaters To Nf Boundary
Goose Creek To Fawn Lakes Campground
Headwaters To Cabresto Lake
Headwaters To Red River
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