Fire Weather Watch
2026-04-23T20:00:00-06:00

ADDED UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY AND WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE TO THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH FOR THURSDAY ...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FROM NOON TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, EAST CENTRAL PLAINS, AND FROM THE UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY EASTWARD DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH THURSDAY FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE, AND ALONG AND EAST OF THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... .An active storm track over the northern and central Rockies will strengthen the flow aloft over New Mexico today and moreso Thursday, while a potent surface trough persists in the lee of the southern Rockies. This will result in southwest wind gusts up to 45 mph today, and west and northwest wind gusts up to 55 mph on Thursday, while humidities plummet mostly into the single digits both days. The strongest winds aloft are now forecast to cross western areas tonight, so the Fire Weather Watch that was in effect for much of central and northwest New Mexico today has been cancelled. However, locally critical fire weather conditions are still likely today, especially in the northwest mountains and along and west of the continental divide. * AREA AND TIMING...Sandia and Manzano Mountains (Zone 124) Thursday from 9 AM to 8 PM MDT. * 20 FOOT WINDS...West winds 20 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values around 9 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Paddle Report

New-Mexico

Last Updated: 2026-04-21

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The Whitewater River is a popular destination for kayaking and rafting enthusiasts in New Mexico.

Summary

The section of the river between Ellis Ranch and the Private Land Boundary is approximately 3.5 miles long and is rated as a Class III-IV run, with a recommended flow range of 300-800 cfs. This section of the river features several technical rapids, including the popular "Pinball" rapid, which requires precise maneuvering through a series of boulder obstacles.

It is important to note that this section of the Whitewater River is located on private land, and access is only granted to those who have obtained a permit from the landowner. Additionally, boaters are required to adhere to specific regulations, including a prohibition on alcohol and a requirement to wear a personal flotation device at all times while on the river.

Multiple sources, including American Whitewater and the New Mexico State Parks Department, confirm the class rating, recommended flow range, and specific rapids and obstacles in this section of the river. It is important for boaters to check current flow conditions and obtain the necessary permits before embarking on this challenging and exciting river run.

Regional Streamflow Levels

North Floodway Channel Near Alameda 8.35cfs	8cfs
Embudo Arroyo At Albuquerque 0.0cfs	0cfs
Hahn Arroyo In Albuquerque 0.0cfs	0cfs
Rio Grande At San Felipe 532.0cfs	532cfs
Rio Grande Nr Alameda 264.0cfs	264cfs
N. Floodway Channel At Albuquerque 0.41cfs	0cfs

15-Day Long Term Forecast

River Run Details

Last Updated	2026-04-21
River Levels	1 cfs (0.12 ft)
Percent of Normal	73%
Status
Class Level	iii-iv
Elevation	ft
Streamflow Discharge	cfs
Gauge Height	ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 08329900

Explore Interactive Map

Fire Weather Watch
Until 2026-04-22T20:00:00-06:00 • National Weather Service
ADDED UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY AND WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE TO THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH FOR THURSDAY ...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FROM NOON TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, EAST CENTRAL PLAINS, AND FROM THE UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY EASTWARD DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH THURSDAY FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE, AND ALONG AND EAST OF THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... .An active storm track over the northern and central Rockies will strengthen the flow aloft over New Mexico today and moreso Thursday, while a potent surface trough persists in the lee of the southern Rockies. This will result in southwest wind gusts up to 45 mph today, and west and northwest wind gusts up to 55 mph on Thursday, while humidities plummet mostly into the single digits both days. The strongest winds aloft are now forecast to cross western areas tonight, so the Fire Weather Watch that was in effect for much of central and northwest New Mexico today has been cancelled. However, locally critical fire weather conditions are still likely today, especially in the northwest mountains and along and west of the continental divide. * AREA AND TIMING...Sandia and Manzano Mountains (Zone 124) Thursday from 9 AM to 8 PM MDT. * 20 FOOT WINDS...West winds 20 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values around 9 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.