...CRITICAL FIRE CONDITIONS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ACROSS SOUTHWEST, SOUTH CENTRAL NEW MEXICO AND FAR WEST TEXAS... High pressure nudging in from the west is causing temperatures to be well above seasonal averages, and relative humidity to be critically low this weekend. Daily highs Saturday and Sunday will average over 10 degrees above normal, as relative humidity values drops into the low teens and single-digits both days, with very poor overnight recovery. A two-day trough passage to our north will add increased winds mid afternoon on Saturday, which will continue and further strengthen overnight into Sunday. These winds combined with single digit RH's, warm temperatures, and drying fuels will lead to critical fire weather conditions. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 113 Capitan and Sacramento Mountains/Lincoln NF/LNZ. * TIMING...Mid afternoon Saturday, Saturday night, through Sunday afternoon. * WINDS...West 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 7 percent. * TEMPERATURES...Up to 76. * HIGHEST THREAT...is located on the eastern slopes of the Sacramento Mountains. * EXPERIMENTAL RFTI... 4 to 5 Marginally critical to critical. * IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
The Whitewater River run, located in the state of New Mexico, begins at the Northern Boundary of Sec 25, T18S, R11E and flows to the confluence of Sacramento River and Apple Tree Canyon.
The ideal streamflow range for this stretch of the river is between 500-1000 cfs. The class rating for this segment is class III-IV, which requires advanced skills and experience to navigate. The segment mileage is approximately 6 miles, and it contains specific river rapids and obstacles such as the Big Arroyo and Apple Tree Rapid.
The regulations for this area include obtaining a permit from the Bureau of Land Management, adhering to Leave No Trace principles, and practicing responsible recreation. It is important to note that this area is within the Mescalero Apache Reservation, and visitors should respect the cultural and natural resources of the area.
Multiple sources confirm the accuracy of this information, including the Bureau of Land Management's website and various whitewater guidebooks. It is important for visitors to research and prepare adequately before embarking on this challenging whitewater run.
Wind
Humidity
| Last Updated | 2026-03-11 |
| River Levels | 8 cfs (2.01 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 85% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08481500 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hoosier Canyon
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Bluff Springs
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Prestridge Hill / Hay Canyon
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Oliver Lee State Park
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Alamo Peak Road
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Upper Karr Canyon
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Northern Boundary Of Sec 25, T18S, R11E To Confluence Of Sacramento River And Apple Tree Canyon
Confluence Of Western Headwaters (Sec 36, T18S, R12E) To Northern Boundary Of Private Land
Eastern Boundary Sec 12, T18S, R10E To Nf Boundary At Oliver Lee State Park
Headwaters Rio Penasco, Water Canyon And Benson Canyon To Confluence Of Benson Canyon And Rio Penasco Sec 10, T17S, R12E