2026-03-14T22:00:00-06:00
...CRITICAL FIRE CONDITIONS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ACROSS SOUTHWEST, SOUTH CENTRAL NEW MEXICO AND FAR WEST TEXAS... High pressure nudging in from the west is causing temperatures to be well above seasonal averages, and relative humidity to be critically low this weekend. Daily highs Saturday and Sunday will average over 10 degrees above normal, as relative humidity values drops into the low teens and single-digits both days, with very poor overnight recovery. A two-day trough passage to our north will add increased winds mid afternoon on Saturday, which will continue and further strengthen overnight into Sunday. These winds combined with single digit RH's, warm temperatures, and drying fuels will lead to critical fire weather conditions. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 110 Southwest Mountains/Gila NF/Apache NF/GLZ. * TIMING...From mid-afternoon to late-evening Saturday. Noon to 6 PM Sunday. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 9 percent. * TEMPERATURES...Up to 76. * WIND... Northwest winds 20-25 mph with gusts to 40 MPH * HUMIDITY...7 to 11 percent * HIGHEST THREAT... High exposed area and east Slopes of Area Mountains * EXPERIMENTAL RFTI... 4 to 5 Marginally critical to critical * IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 100 and 300 cubic feet per second (cfs), and the river is classified as Class II-III. The segment mileage of this river run is approximately 13 miles, starting at the Headwaters and ending at the Confluence with Big Dry Creek.
There are several notable rapids and obstacles along the way, including Powerline Rapid, Double Drop Rapid, and Rock Garden. Powerline Rapid is a Class III rapid with a steep drop and a strong hydraulic at the bottom. Double Drop Rapid is another Class III rapid with two drops that require precise maneuvering. Rock Garden is a Class II rapid with several large boulders that require careful navigation.
It is important to note that the Whitewater River is located within the Taos Pueblo Indian Reservation, and visitors must obtain a permit from the Taos Pueblo in order to access the river. Additionally, visitors must respect the cultural and natural resources of the area, including avoiding trespassing on private property and leaving no trace.
Overall, the Whitewater River run is a thrilling and scenic adventure for experienced whitewater enthusiasts. It is important to check streamflow levels before embarking on the river, as high water levels can make the rapids more challenging and dangerous.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2026-03-11 |
| River Levels | 42 cfs (1.74 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 25% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | ii-iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 09444000 |
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mogollon Creek Near Cliff
|
18cfs |
San Francisco River Near Glenwood
|
24cfs |
Gila River Near Gila
|
78cfs |
Blue River Near Clifton
|
0cfs |
San Francisco River Near Reserve
|
3350cfs |
San Francisco River At Clifton
|
96cfs |
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Big Horn
|
||
Ben Lilly Campground
|
||
Ben Lilly
|
||
Willow Creek Campground
|
Headwaters To Confluence With Big Dry Creek
Headwaters To Trail 810
Trail 810 To Private Land Boundary (T11S, R19W, Sec 6)