Headwaters To Cabresto Lake river run
Headwaters To Cabresto Lake
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.
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 Headwaters To Cabresto Lake -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Red River Near Questa | 20 cfs | → |
| Costilla Creek Below Costilla Dam | 37 cfs | → |
| Santistevan Creek Near Costilla | 1 cfs | → |
| Costilla Creek Near Costilla | 40 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande Near Cerro | 128 cfs | → |
| Red River Below Fish Hatchery | 36 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
- Headwaters To Nf Boundary
- Headwaters To Cabresto Creek
- Goose Creek To Fawn Lakes Campground
- Headwaters To Red River
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
- Red River Fishing
- Columbine Creek Fishing
- Shuree Lakes Fishing
- Rio Grande Fishing
- Sanchez Reservoir
- Stabilization Reservoir
Parks
Points of interest
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 Headwaters To Cabresto Lake 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 Headwaters To Cabresto Lake
What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Cabresto Lake?
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 Headwaters To Cabresto Lake.