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.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for the river is between 500 and 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The river is rated as a Class III-IV, meaning it has moderate to difficult rapids and requires technical skill and experience. The segment from the headwaters to the confluence with Las Animas Creek is approximately 7 miles long and features several challenging rapids, including Deadman's Drop and Power Line Rapid.
Kayakers and rafters should be aware of specific regulations to the area, including a permit requirement for commercial outfitters and a maximum group size of 15 people. The river is also closed to boating during times of high water or when water levels are above 3,000 cfs. It is important for boaters to respect the regulations in place to ensure the safety and preservation of the area.
Overall, the Whitewater River Headwaters to Confluence With Las Animas Creek run is an exciting and challenging adventure for experienced kayakers and rafters. It is important to check current streamflow and regulations before embarking on a trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Regional Streamflow Levels
15-Day Long Term Forecast
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2026-04-22 |
| River Levels | 7 cfs (3.05 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 32% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08477110 |
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Wrights Cabin
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Iron Creek
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Railroad Canyon
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Railroad Canyon Campground
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Gallinas - Upper
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Gallinas Campground - Upper
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Headwaters To Confluence With Las Animas Creek
Junction Of Water Canyon And Holden Prong To Aldo Leopold Wilderness Boundary
Aldo Wilderness Boundary To Nf Boundary
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