2026-03-15T20:00:00-06:00
...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FROM NOON UNTIL MIDNIGHT FOR THE NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NORTHEAST PLAINS, AND CENTRAL HIGHLANDS DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH SUNDAY FOR ALL OF NORTHERN AND CENTRAL NM FROM 9 AM THROUGH 8 PM DUE TO STRONG TO SEVERE WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Critical fire weather conditions will impact much of central and northern NM through the weekend, particularly on Sunday. For today, westerly winds will increase areawide, but will start earlier and linger longer across the central to northeastern highlands and into the northeastern plains of New Mexico. On Sunday, much more widespread critical fire weather will develop. Winds will turn very strong to potentially damaging as both a Pacific and backdoor cold front pass through the area on Sunday. With gusts between 40 and 65 mph and single digit humidity values in many areas, critical to extreme fire weather conditions are likely despite cooling temperatures. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has cancelled the Fire Weather Watch. * AREA AND TIMING...Northwest Plateau (Zone 101), West Central Mountains (Zone 105), Middle Rio Grande Valley (Zone 106), West Central Basin and Range (Zone 109), North Central Mountains (Zone 120), Upper Rio Grande Valley and Lower Chama River Valley (Zone 121), Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zone 122), Sandia and Manzano Mountains (Zone 124), and East Central Plains (Zone 126) on Sunday from 9 AM through 8 PM. * 20 FOOT WINDS...North northwest winds 25 to 40 mph on Sunday with gusts between 45 and 65 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values between 6 and 15 percent with locally higher values across the peaks of the Tusas Mountains and Sangre de Cristo Mountains each day. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 200-400 cubic feet per second (cfs), although it can be run at lower flows. The river is rated as Class III, making it suitable for intermediate-level kayakers and rafters. The river run covers a distance of approximately 10 miles, with the rapids and obstacles located in the middle section.
Some of the specific rapids and obstacles on the Rio Nutrias include the "Milk Chute," "Pinball," and "S-Turn," among others. These rapids are known for their technicality and require proper navigation skills to successfully make it through. Furthermore, the river features several rock gardens and steep drops that require precise maneuvering.
There are specific regulations that visitors must follow when running Rio Nutrias. For instance, all boaters must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river. Additionally, visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Santa Fe National Forest Service before accessing the river. The permit fee varies depending on the size of the group and the duration of the visit.
In conclusion, the Rio Nutrias offers an exhilarating whitewater river run for intermediate-level kayakers and rafters. Visitors must adhere to specific regulations, including obtaining permits and wearing PFDs at all times. The river features several challenging rapids and obstacles, making it a popular destination for adventurous whitewater enthusiasts.
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River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 906 cfs (3.37 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 92% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08285500 |
Rio Nutrias