...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS TODAY FOR SOUTHWEST AND SOUTH CENTRAL NEW MEXICO... A passing Pacific trough will keep the region dry and will increase winds this afternoon. These warm, dry, and windy conditions will further trend fuels drier, and will set the stage for critical fire weather conditions across the southern New Mexico fire zones. West winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 to 40 mph are expected during the afternoon. Minimum relative humidity values of 7 to 15 percent are forecast. Widespread tree mortality and die back fuels will increase the wildfire risk as ERCs climb towards the 90th percentile. * AFFECTED AREA...New Mexico Fire Weather Zones 110, 111, 112, and 113, including the Southwest Mountains and Gila NF, the Southwest Deserts and Lowlands, the South Central Lowlands, the Southern Rio Grande Valley, and the Sacramento and Capitan Mountains. * TIMING...Winds increasing after 10 AM, and peaking in the middle to late afternoon hours. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * EXPERIMENTAL RFTI...3 to 5, Near Critical to Critical. * IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
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Humidity
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.
| Last Updated | 2026-04-22 |
| River Levels | 8 cfs (2.01 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 106% |
| 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