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 200 and 400 cubic feet per second (cfs), with peak season occurring in late spring and early summer. The river is rated as Class II-III, with several challenging rapids and obstacles, including the Widowmaker, Pinball, and The Elevator.
The segment covers a distance of approximately 6.5 miles, starting at the headwaters and ending at the private land boundary. The river features stunning scenery, including towering cliffs and rugged terrain. It is a great place to observe wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.
There are several regulations that visitors must follow when visiting this area. The use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) is mandatory for all kayakers and rafters. Additionally, visitors must respect private property boundaries and avoid disturbing natural habitats. Camping is allowed in designated areas only, and visitors must obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management.
In summary, the Headwaters to Private Land Boundary segment of the Whitewater River in New Mexico is a scenic and challenging destination for kayaking and rafting enthusiasts. With ideal streamflow range of 200-400 cfs, class II-III rating, and several rapids and obstacles, this section is an adventure-filled experience. Visitors must follow specific regulations, such as wearing PFDs, respecting private property boundaries, and obtaining camping permits.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2026-01-22 |
| River Levels | 906 cfs (3.37 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 99% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | ii-iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08285500 |
Hourly Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rio Chama Near La Puente
|
181cfs |
Rio Ojo Caliente At La Madera
|
14cfs |
Rio Chama Below Abiquiu Dam
|
53cfs |
Rio Chama Above Abiquiu Reservoir
|
83cfs |
Rio Chama Below El Vado Dam
|
94cfs |
Rio Grande At Embudo
|
399cfs |
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Canjilon Creek
|
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Canjilon Lakes
|
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Canjilon Lakes Campground
|
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Trout Lakes Campground
|
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Trout Lakes
|
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El Rito Campground
|
Headwaters To Private Land Boundary
15 Springs To Fr 106 Bridge
El Rito Ranger District Boundary To Felipito Bridge
Hopewell Lake To Nf Boundary
Headwaters To Nf Boundary