2026-04-23T20:00:00-06:00
...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY, WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE, AND ALONG AND EAST OF THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Strong west winds aloft and a surface trough in the lee of the southern Rockies will produce strong winds today. West and northwest wind gusts will peak between 40 and 55 mph with the strongest gusts in the Central Highlands. Humidity will also plummet mostly into the single digits this afternoon. Outside of the warned area, locally critical fire weather conditions are likely today as far west as the continental divide. * AREA AND TIMING...Today from 9 AM to 8 PM MDT for the Northeast and East Central Plains (Zones 104 and 126); Northeast and Central Highlands (Zones 123 and 125); Sandia, Manzano, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zones 122 and 124); West Central Basin and Range (Zone 109); Middle and Upper Rio Grande Valley, and Lower Chama River Valley (Zones 106 and 121). * 20 FOOT WINDS...West and northwest winds 20 to 35 mph, with gusts peaking between 40 and 55 mph. Strongest gusts will occur in and near the Central Highlands. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values of 6 to 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 300 and 800 cfs. The segment mileage of this run is approximately 14 miles, which can take anywhere from 4 to 7 hours to complete depending on water levels and skill level.
This section of the river is known for its technical rapids and challenging obstacles, including the Whitewater Rapid, a Class IV rapid that requires precise maneuvering. Other notable rapids include the Pinball Rapid and the Rock Garden Rapid.
There are specific regulations in place to ensure the safety of those participating in the Whitewater River Run Nf Boundary to Nf Boundary. Participants are required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and a helmet at all times while on the river. Additionally, camping is only permitted in designated areas along the river.
Regional Streamflow Levels
15-Day Long Term Forecast
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2026-04-22 |
| River Levels | 43 cfs (2.0 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 80% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08254000 |
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Little Costilla Camp
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Little Costilla Low Impact Camp
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Ash Mountain 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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Nf Boundary To Nf Boundary
Headwaters To Costilla Creek
Headwaters To Comanche Point
Headwaters To Comanche Creek
Headwaters To Red River
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