Red Flag Warning
2026-04-23T20:00:00-06:00

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS TODAY FOR SOUTHWEST AND SOUTH CENTRAL NEW MEXICO... A passing Pacific trough will keep the region dry and will increase winds this afternoon. These warm, dry, and windy conditions will further trend fuels drier, and will set the stage for critical fire weather conditions across the southern New Mexico fire zones. West winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 to 40 mph are expected during the afternoon. Minimum relative humidity values of 7 to 15 percent are forecast. Widespread tree mortality and die back fuels will increase the wildfire risk as ERCs climb towards the 90th percentile. * AFFECTED AREA...New Mexico Fire Weather Zones 110, 111, 112, and 113, including the Southwest Mountains and Gila NF, the Southwest Deserts and Lowlands, the South Central Lowlands, the Southern Rio Grande Valley, and the Sacramento and Capitan Mountains. * TIMING...Winds increasing after 10 AM, and peaking in the middle to late afternoon hours. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * EXPERIMENTAL RFTI...3 to 5, Near Critical to Critical. * IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Paddle Report

New-Mexico

Last Updated: 2026-04-22

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The Whitewater River, also known as the Rio Pueblo de Taos, is a popular river run in New Mexico.

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.

Regional Streamflow Levels

Mogollon Creek Near Cliff 3.41cfs	3cfs
San Francisco River Near Glenwood 22.8cfs	23cfs
Gila River Near Gila 25.0cfs	25cfs
Blue River Near Clifton 0.14cfs	0cfs
San Francisco River Near Reserve 3350cfs	3350cfs
San Francisco River At Clifton 23.0cfs	23cfs

15-Day Long Term Forecast

River Run Details

Last Updated	2026-04-22
River Levels	42 cfs (1.74 ft)
Percent of Normal	44%
Status
Class Level	ii-iii
Elevation	ft
Streamflow Discharge	cfs
Gauge Height	ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 09444000

Explore Interactive Map

Red Flag Warning
Until 2026-04-23T20:00:00-06:00 • National Weather Service
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS TODAY FOR SOUTHWEST AND SOUTH CENTRAL NEW MEXICO... A passing Pacific trough will keep the region dry and will increase winds this afternoon. These warm, dry, and windy conditions will further trend fuels drier, and will set the stage for critical fire weather conditions across the southern New Mexico fire zones. West winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 to 40 mph are expected during the afternoon. Minimum relative humidity values of 7 to 15 percent are forecast. Widespread tree mortality and die back fuels will increase the wildfire risk as ERCs climb towards the 90th percentile. * AFFECTED AREA...New Mexico Fire Weather Zones 110, 111, 112, and 113, including the Southwest Mountains and Gila NF, the Southwest Deserts and Lowlands, the South Central Lowlands, the Southern Rio Grande Valley, and the Sacramento and Capitan Mountains. * TIMING...Winds increasing after 10 AM, and peaking in the middle to late afternoon hours. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * EXPERIMENTAL RFTI...3 to 5, Near Critical to Critical. * IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.