* WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches across much of eastern New Mexico with higher amounts of 8 to 16 inches above 9,000 feet. Localized areas in eastern Torrance, Guadalupe, and De Baca counties will receive between 8 and 10 inches. Bitterly cold temperatures will accompany the snow. * WHERE...Much of central to east central New Mexico, including Interstate 40 from Tijeras to Santa Rosa to the Texas border. * WHEN...Until 8 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel will become very difficult to impossible for an extended period of time, most notably along I-40 from Tijeras Canyon to the Texas border. The weight of accumulating snow will stress the power grid, potentially creating outages. An extended period of cold temperatures will increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Bitterly cold temperatures will also accompany this winter storm, with the coldest temperatures in the eastern plains of New Mexico. Temperatures will be coldest Sunday and Monday mornings when much of the eastern half of New Mexico will be in the single digits with wind chills below zero.
The ideal streamflow range for this river run is between 200 and 500 cfs. The class rating for this river run ranges from class III to class IV, with some sections considered as class V during high water periods. The segment mileage for the Rio Pueblo De Taos is around 12 miles, starting from the Wild Rivers Recreation Area and ending at the Taos Junction Bridge.
The specific river rapids/obstacles that paddlers will encounter during this river run include "Big Arsenic", "Little Arsenic", and "Pinball". These rapids are challenging, with large waves, turbulent water, and tight canyons that require precise maneuvering. Paddlers should also watch out for logjams, undercuts, and strainers that can be found throughout the river run.
Specific regulations to the area include permits that are required for commercial river outfitters. Private boaters are required to obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management, which is limited to a specific number of users per day. Additionally, there are restrictions on camping and fires along the river.
Overall, the Rio Pueblo De Taos is a beautiful and challenging river run that requires advanced skills and experience. Paddlers should be prepared for a remote and rugged environment, with limited access to resources and emergency services. It is important to check current river conditions and water levels before attempting this river run, as it can be dangerous during high water periods.
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 2700 cfs (6.1 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 46% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08276500 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Rio Pueblo Campground
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Orilla Verde Campground
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Taos Junction Campground
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Taos Junction
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Petaca
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Petaca Campground
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