2026-01-25T08:00:00-07:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches across much of eastern New Mexico with higher amounts of 8 to 16 inches above 9,000 feet. Localized areas in eastern Torrance, Guadalupe, and De Baca counties will receive between 8 and 10 inches. Bitterly cold temperatures will accompany the snow. * WHERE...Much of central to east central New Mexico, including Interstate 40 from Tijeras to Santa Rosa to the Texas border. * WHEN...Until 8 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel will become very difficult to impossible for an extended period of time, most notably along I-40 from Tijeras Canyon to the Texas border. The weight of accumulating snow will stress the power grid, potentially creating outages. An extended period of cold temperatures will increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Bitterly cold temperatures will also accompany this winter storm, with the coldest temperatures in the eastern plains of New Mexico. Temperatures will be coldest Sunday and Monday mornings when much of the eastern half of New Mexico will be in the single digits with wind chills below zero.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 200-400 cubic feet per second (cfs), which provides the perfect combination of speed and maneuverability. The class rating for this run is class III-IV, which means that it has moderate to difficult rapids with significant obstacles that require advanced skills and experience.
The segment mileage for this run is 5.5 miles, which can be completed in 2-3 hours depending on the flow rate. The run features several challenging rapids and obstacles such as the S-Turn rapid, the Box rapid, and the Elevator rapid. These rapids are known for their steep drops, tight chutes, and large boulders that require precise navigation and quick reflexes.
In terms of regulations, paddlers are required to obtain a permit from the Carson National Forest Service and follow all safety guidelines and regulations. This includes wearing a personal flotation device, carrying a whistle, and avoiding alcohol consumption before or during the run.
Overall, the Whitewater River Run from Headwaters to Cabresto Lake is a challenging and exciting adventure for experienced paddlers. It offers a unique and dynamic experience with stunning scenery and thrilling rapids that will test the limits of even the most skilled paddlers.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2026-01-12 |
| River Levels | 166 cfs (3.88 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 365% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08265000 |
Hourly Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Red River Near Questa
|
519cfs |
Costilla Creek Below Costilla Dam
|
1cfs |
Santistevan Creek Near Costilla
|
1cfs |
Costilla Creek Near Costilla
|
11cfs |
Rio Grande Near Cerro
|
229cfs |
Red River Below Fish Hatchery
|
40cfs |
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cabresto Lake
|
||
Cabresto Lake Campground
|
||
Elephant Rock
|
||
Elephant Rock Campground
|
||
Junebug
|
||
Junebug Campground
|
Headwaters To Cabresto Lake
Headwaters To Nf Boundary
Headwaters To Cabresto Creek
Goose Creek To Fawn Lakes Campground
Headwaters To Red River