2026-04-23T20:00:00-06:00
...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY, WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE, AND ALONG AND EAST OF THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Strong west winds aloft and a surface trough in the lee of the southern Rockies will produce strong winds today. West and northwest wind gusts will peak between 40 and 55 mph with the strongest gusts in the Central Highlands. Humidity will also plummet mostly into the single digits this afternoon. Outside of the warned area, locally critical fire weather conditions are likely today as far west as the continental divide. * AREA AND TIMING...Today from 9 AM to 8 PM MDT for the Northeast and East Central Plains (Zones 104 and 126); Northeast and Central Highlands (Zones 123 and 125); Sandia, Manzano, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zones 122 and 124); West Central Basin and Range (Zone 109); Middle and Upper Rio Grande Valley, and Lower Chama River Valley (Zones 106 and 121). * 20 FOOT WINDS...West and northwest winds 20 to 35 mph, with gusts peaking between 40 and 55 mph. Strongest gusts will occur in and near the Central Highlands. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values of 6 to 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 200-600 cubic feet per second (cfs). During peak snowmelt or heavy rainfall, the river can reach flows of up to 1000 cfs, which can make the rapids more challenging and dangerous.
Some of the notable rapids and obstacles on this segment include Little Arsenic, which is a class III rapid that requires precise navigation through a narrow chute. There is also a series of class II rapids, such as Pinball and Squeeze Play, that require maneuvering through boulder gardens. Throughout the run, boaters will encounter many eddies and waves, making it an exciting and dynamic experience.
It is important to note that the Whitewater River Run is located within the Santa Fe National Forest and is subject to specific regulations. The segment is only open to boating between May 1st and September 30th, and all boaters must obtain a permit from the Forest Service before entering the area. Additionally, all boaters must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river.
Overall, the Whitewater River Run from Headwaters to Confluence with Rito De La Olla is an exciting and challenging run for intermediate boaters. It is important to check the streamflow levels and obtain the necessary permits before entering the area.
Regional Streamflow Levels
15-Day Long Term Forecast
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2026-04-22 |
| River Levels | 49 cfs (5.29 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 17% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | ii-iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08275500 |
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Comales
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Comales Campground
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Llanito Frio Campground
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Las Petacas Campground
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Las Petacas
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La Sombra Campground
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Taos Junction Bridge Boat Takeout
Taos Junction Bridge Boat Launch
Taos Junction Bridge Taos County
Lone Juniper Boat Takeout
Lone Juniper Boat Launch
Headwaters To Confluence With Rito De La Olla
Headwaters To Confluence With Rio Grande Del Rancho
Confluence With Rito De La Olla To Nf Boundary
Serna Land Grant Boundary To Nf Boundary
Agua Caliente
Confluence With Rio Angostura To Osha Diversion
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