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 section is between 300 and 800 cfs. The segment mileage is approximately 7 miles, and the class rating ranges from II to IV.
There are several notable rapids and obstacles along this section of the river, including the "Box," a narrow and technical rapid that requires precise navigation. The "S-Turn" is another challenging rapid, with multiple channels and obstacles to navigate.
There are specific regulations to be aware of when planning a trip on the Whitewater River. A permit is required for all overnight use, and camping is only allowed in designated areas. Additionally, there are restrictions on the use of motorized watercraft, and all visitors are required to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the environment.
Overall, the Hopewell Lake to Nf Boundary section of the Whitewater River is a challenging and rewarding destination for experienced whitewater paddlers. However, visitors should be aware of the specific regulations and take steps to ensure that they are prepared for the technical rapids and obstacles along the route.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2026-01-22 |
| River Levels | 816 cfs (3.9 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 170% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | None |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08284100 |
Hourly Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rio Chama Near La Puente
|
181cfs |
Rio Ojo Caliente At La Madera
|
14cfs |
Conejos River Near Mogote
|
98cfs |
Rio Chama Below El Vado Dam
|
94cfs |
Rio Chama Above Abiquiu Reservoir
|
83cfs |
Rio Grande Near Cerro
|
229cfs |
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hopewell Lake
|
||
Hopewell Lake Campground
|
||
Trout Lakes Campground
|
||
Trout Lakes
|
||
Canjilon Lakes Campground
|
||
Canjilon Lakes
|
Hopewell Lake To Nf Boundary
Headwaters To Nf Boundary
Headwaters To Private Land Boundary
El Rito Ranger District Boundary To Felipito Bridge
Headwaters To Rio San Antonio