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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Summary

The Whitewater River Run from Headwaters to Confluence with Diamond Creek in the state of New Mexico is a popular route for rafting and kayaking enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 500 and 800 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is considered moderate to high water flow. The class rating for this section of the river ranges from II to III, which means that it contains moderate rapids with some waves and obstacles that require maneuvering.

The segment mileage for this run is approximately 18 miles, and it takes between 4 and 6 hours to complete. Some of the specific river rapids and obstacles on this run include Pinball, which is a class III rapid that requires precise maneuvering to avoid the rocks and waves. The Grapevine section is also a class III rapid that requires careful navigation through a series of boulders and eddies.

There are specific regulations that apply to this area, including the requirement for all boaters to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river. Additionally, there are designated take-out points that boaters must use to exit the river and return to their vehicles. It is also important to note that this section of the river is located within the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, and boaters must obtain permits and follow all regulations set forth by the tribe.

Regional Streamflow Levels

Mimbres River At Mimbres 3.6cfs	4cfs
Gila River Near Gila 25.0cfs	25cfs
Mogollon Creek Near Cliff 3.41cfs	3cfs
Rio Grande Below Elephant Butte Dam 0.1cfs	0cfs
Rio Grande At Narrows In Elephant Butte Res. 60.9cfs	61cfs
San Francisco River Near Glenwood 22.8cfs	23cfs

15-Day Long Term Forecast

River Run Details

Last Updated	2026-04-22
River Levels	7 cfs (3.05 ft)
Percent of Normal	32%
Status
Class Level	iii
Elevation	ft
Streamflow Discharge	cfs
Gauge Height	ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 08477110

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.