2026-01-25T08:00:00-07:00
* 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.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 500 and 1200 cfs. This section of the river is classified as Class III-IV, meaning that it features medium to high-intensity rapids with powerful waves and currents.
The segment mileage for this run is approximately 9 miles. Paddlers will encounter several challenging rapids, including Pinball, Souse Hole, and Red Wall. Pinball is a technical rapid with multiple rocks and eddies that require precise maneuvering. Souse Hole is a powerful hydraulic that can flip a raft if not navigated correctly. Red Wall is a long and steep rapid that requires precise line selection.
There are specific regulations in place for this area to ensure the safety of paddlers. All boaters must wear a personal flotation device, and helmets are required for kayakers and paddleboarders. The area is also subject to seasonal closures during periods of high water, so it is important to check with local authorities before planning a trip.
Overall, the Whitewater River Run from Headwaters to Comanche Creek is a challenging and exciting experience for experienced paddlers. It is important to check the water levels and regulations before embarking on this adventure to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-11-21 |
| River Levels | 43 cfs (2.0 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 113% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08254000 |
Hourly Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Little Costilla Low Impact Camp
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Cimarron Campground
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NFS Cimarron Campground
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Middle Ponil Camp
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Ash Mountain Camp
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Little Costilla Camp
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Headwaters To Comanche Creek