...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.
The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 400-800 cfs. The class rating for this run is class III-IV, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The segment mileage is around 8 miles, and it features several challenging rapids and obstacles, including the notorious "Box" rapid. Other notable rapids include "Pinball" and "Razorblade."
In terms of regulations, the area is managed by the US Forest Service, and a permit is required for overnight trips. Additionally, the use of motors is prohibited on this section of the river. It is important for paddlers to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural beauty of the area.
| Last Updated | 2026-04-22 |
| River Levels | 2290 cfs (6.49 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 1% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08361000 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Kingston Campground
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Kingston
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Wrights Cabin
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Hillsboro City RV Park
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Iron Creek
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Railroad Canyon
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