...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY, WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE, AND ALONG AND EAST OF THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Strong west winds aloft and a surface trough in the lee of the southern Rockies will produce strong winds today. West and northwest wind gusts will peak between 40 and 55 mph with the strongest gusts in the Central Highlands. Humidity will also plummet mostly into the single digits this afternoon. Outside of the warned area, locally critical fire weather conditions are likely today as far west as the continental divide. * AREA AND TIMING...Today from 9 AM to 8 PM MDT for the Northeast and East Central Plains (Zones 104 and 126); Northeast and Central Highlands (Zones 123 and 125); Sandia, Manzano, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zones 122 and 124); West Central Basin and Range (Zone 109); Middle and Upper Rio Grande Valley, and Lower Chama River Valley (Zones 106 and 121). * 20 FOOT WINDS...West and northwest winds 20 to 35 mph, with gusts peaking between 40 and 55 mph. Strongest gusts will occur in and near the Central Highlands. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values of 6 to 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
The ideal streamflow range for this segment of the river is between 400 and 800 cubic feet per second (cfs), offering Class III and IV rapids with a segment mileage of approximately 7 miles.
The river features numerous rapids and obstacles, including "Hole in the Wall," "Squeeze Play," and "Pinball." These challenging rapids require experienced navigational skills and proper safety gear. Additionally, it is important to note that this section of the river runs through private land, making it essential to respect the landowners' boundaries.
Regulations in the area include a required permit from the Bureau of Land Management, which must be obtained before accessing the river. It is also mandatory to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river. Camping is only permitted in designated areas, and all waste must be packed out.
In summary, the Private Land Boundary Below Canjilon To Nf Boundary Whitewater River Run offers thrilling Class III and IV rapids over a 7-mile segment, with an ideal streamflow range of 400-800 cfs. It is important to respect private land boundaries and obtain necessary permits while adhering to safety regulations, including wearing a PFD at all times.
Rio Chama Above Abiquiu Reservoir
|
268cfs |
Rio Chama Below Abiquiu Dam
|
317cfs |
Rio Chama Below El Vado Dam
|
279cfs |
Rio Chama Near La Puente
|
256cfs |
Rio Ojo Caliente At La Madera
|
15cfs |
Rio Chama Near Chamita
|
270cfs |
| Last Updated | 2026-04-22 |
| River Levels | 1030 cfs (7.32 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 45% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08286500 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Echo Campground
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Echo Amphitheater
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Riana Campground
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Riana - Abiquiu Reservoir
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Rio Chama Campground
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Rio Chama Campground, Small Group Sites
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