Paddle Report

Headwaters To Comanche Creek river run

New-Mexico, USA Grassy Creek Class III
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
96%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Headwaters To Comanche Creek -- New-Mexico paddle run
Headwaters To Comanche Creek New-Mexico · Grassy Creek
About this run

Headwaters To Comanche Creek

The Headwaters to Comanche Creek section of the Whitewater River in New Mexico is a popular run for experienced whitewater paddlers. This 7-mile segment of the river is rated as Class III and IV rapids, with an ideal streamflow range of 500 to 1000 cfs. The run starts at the Headwaters Campground and ends at the Comanche Creek Campground.

There are several rapids and obstacles to navigate on this run, including the Red Wall, which is a narrow channel with a large drop; the Witches Cauldron, which is a series of steep drops and chutes; and the Rock Garden, which is a boulder-strewn section of the river. Paddlers should also be aware of undercut rocks and log jams, which can be hazardous.

There are specific regulations that apply to the Headwaters to Comanche Creek segment of the Whitewater River. The use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) is mandatory, and all paddlers should be experienced in whitewater navigation. The area is also subject to seasonal closures due to low water levels or hazardous conditions.

Overall, the Headwaters to Comanche Creek run on the Whitewater River is a challenging but rewarding experience for experienced paddlers. It is important to follow all regulations and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
StateNew-Mexico
RiverGrassy Creek
ClassIII
Elevation9,309 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal96%
StreamgageUSGS 08254000
Latitude36.7742°
Longitude-105.2688°
Detailed forecast

Plan your run down to the hour

Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.

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Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Headwaters To Comanche Creek -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.

Whitewater safety

Check the flow before you run
Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
Know your skill ceiling
Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
Wear the right gear
Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
Scout, set safety, and run with a team
Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
Respect the river
Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.

Set push alerts in the Snoflo app

Save Headwaters To Comanche Creek as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.

FAQ

About Headwaters To Comanche Creek

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Comanche Creek?

The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.

How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?

The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.

What's the whitewater class?

See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.

Where do I put in / take out?

Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.

Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?

Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.

More river runs

Other runs near here

Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Headwaters To Comanche Creek.