* WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches across much of eastern New Mexico with higher amounts of 8 to 16 inches above 9,000 feet. Localized areas in eastern Torrance, Guadalupe, and De Baca counties will receive between 8 and 10 inches. Bitterly cold temperatures will accompany the snow. * WHERE...Much of central to east central New Mexico, including Interstate 40 from Tijeras to Santa Rosa to the Texas border. * WHEN...Until 8 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel will become very difficult to impossible for an extended period of time, most notably along I-40 from Tijeras Canyon to the Texas border. The weight of accumulating snow will stress the power grid, potentially creating outages. An extended period of cold temperatures will increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Bitterly cold temperatures will also accompany this winter storm, with the coldest temperatures in the eastern plains of New Mexico. Temperatures will be coldest Sunday and Monday mornings when much of the eastern half of New Mexico will be in the single digits with wind chills below zero.
The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 300 and 1000 cubic feet per second (cfs), with the higher flows being more challenging and exciting.
The class rating of this run is between III and IV, with some sections reaching class V at higher flows. The segment mileage is approximately 4.5 miles, making it a shorter but intense run.
Some specific river rapids and obstacles to be aware of include the "Headwaters," "Straightaway," "Chairlift," and "Red River Rapid." These rapids offer technical challenges and require precise maneuvering to navigate safely.
It is important to note that this run requires a permit from the Carson National Forest, and all participants must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times. Additionally, alcohol and drugs are prohibited on the river, and all trash must be packed out.
| Last Updated | 2026-01-12 |
| River Levels | 166 cfs (3.88 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 365% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | v |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08265000 |
Red River Near Questa
|
519cfs |
Red River Below Fish Hatchery
|
40cfs |
Rio Hondo Near Valdez
|
41cfs |
Rio Lucero Near Arroyo Seco
|
6cfs |
Rio Grande Near Cerro
|
229cfs |
Rio Pueblo De Taos Near Taos
|
6cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Columbine
|
||
Goat Hill
|
||
Goat Hill Campground
|
||
La Bobita Campground
|
||
Fawn Lakes Campground
|
||
Fawn Lakes
|