* 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 section is between 500-1000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The run is a 9-mile segment, with a put-in at Cooper's Lodge and a takeout at the Rio Chama State Wildlife Area.
The rapids in this section include "The Chute," a Class III rapid with a steep drop, "El Vado," a Class II rapid with a large wave train, and "Battleship Rock," a Class III rapid with a tricky entrance. The river also features beautiful red rock formations and occasional wildlife sightings.
There are specific regulations for this area, including a permit requirement for commercial outfitters and a daily user fee for private boaters. Additionally, camping is only allowed at designated campsites along the river, and fire regulations must be followed.
Overall, the Tierra Amarilla section of the Rio Chama is a popular destination for both novice and experienced paddlers seeking an exciting whitewater adventure in a stunning natural setting.
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 315 cfs (10.54 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 144% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | ii-iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08279000 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Pilar Campground
|
||
Pilar
|
||
Arroyo Hondo Campground
|
||
Orilla Verde Rec Area
|
||
Rio Bravo
|
||
Rio Bravo Campground
|