* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected, mainly at and above 9,500 feet. * WHERE...Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. * WHEN...Until 9 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area roadways. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Higher wind gusts may occur near the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 200 and 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The class rating for this run is Class III-IV, which means that the rapids are difficult and require precise maneuvering, with the presence of obstacles such as rocks and drops.
The segment mileage for this run is approximately 6 miles. The river rapids/obstacles include the Headwaters, a Class IV rapid with a tight, technical entrance and a steep drop, and the Pissed Off Rapid, which is a Class III+ rapid with a series of waves and holes. There are also several other Class III rapids, such as the Rattlesnake and the Tumbleweed Rapid.
Specific regulations to the area include the requirement for all boaters to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times, and the prohibition of alcohol and drugs. The area is open to the public for kayaking and rafting, but visitors must obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office. It is also important to note that the water levels can be unpredictable and dangerous, so it is important to have proper training and experience before attempting this run. Overall, the Whitewater River run Headwaters To Nf Boundary provides a thrilling and challenging experience for experienced kayakers and rafters.
| Last Updated | 2025-12-18 |
| River Levels | 166 cfs (3.88 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 93% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08265000 |
Red River Near Questa
|
18cfs |
Rio Grande Near Cerro
|
445cfs |
Red River Below Fish Hatchery
|
40cfs |
Costilla Creek Near Costilla
|
11cfs |
Costilla Creek Near Garcia
|
2cfs |
Costilla Creek Below Costilla Dam
|
1cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cabresto Lake
|
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Cabresto Lake Campground
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La Bobita Campground
|
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Fawn Lakes
|
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Fawn Lakes Campground
|
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Elephant Rock Campground
|