Red Flag Warning
2026-04-23T20:00:00-06:00

...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.

Paddle Report

New-Mexico

Last Updated: 2026-04-22

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The Whitewater River run in New Mexico is a popular destination for kayakers and rafters, offering challenging rapids and stunning scenery.

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 500-1200 cfs, with the best time to go being in the early summer months.

This 9-mile segment is rated as a class III-IV run, with several technical rapids and obstacles such as "Boulder Garden" and "The Narrows." It is important to note that this run is best suited for experienced paddlers and requires proper safety equipment.

There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a permit requirement for commercial outfitters and a prohibition on camping within 300 feet of the river. It is also important to respect private property boundaries along the river.

Regional Streamflow Levels

Rio Penasco Near Dunken 9.4cfs	9cfs
Tularosa Creek Near Bent 14.7cfs	15cfs
Rio Ruidoso At Hollywood 10.6cfs	11cfs
Rio Ruidoso At Ruidoso 3.86cfs	4cfs
Eagle Creek Below South Fork Near Alto 0.08cfs	0cfs
Salt Creek Near Tularosa 0.06cfs	0cfs

15-Day Long Term Forecast

River Run Details

Last Updated	2026-04-22
River Levels	16 cfs (1.71 ft)
Percent of Normal	57%
Status
Class Level	iii-iv
Elevation	ft
Streamflow Discharge	cfs
Gauge Height	ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 08397600

Explore Interactive Map

Red Flag Warning
Until 2026-04-23T20:00:00-06:00 • National Weather Service
...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.