* 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 200 - 500 cfs. The segment mileage is approximately 2.5 miles and is classified as a class III-IV river, with various rapids and obstacles such as "Rock Garden," "The Slide," and "Pinball."
The river is surrounded by scenic desert landscapes and rugged canyons, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. However, visitors should be aware of specific regulations to the area, including a permit requirement for commercial use and limitations on the number of people allowed per group.
It is important to note that the Whitewater River can be dangerous due to sudden changes in water levels and the presence of natural hazards such as submerged rocks and fallen trees. Therefore, visitors should exercise caution and wear appropriate safety gear when navigating the river.
Overall, the Agua Caliente section of the Whitewater River provides an exciting and challenging experience for experienced kayakers and rafters, but safety should always be a top priority.
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 49 cfs (5.29 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 90% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 08275500 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Arroyo Hondo Campground
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Lone Juniper Campground
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Orilla Verde Rec Area
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Rio Bravo
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Petaca Campground
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Pilar Campground
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