SFNF News:

SANTA FE – As recreationists head into the Santa Fe National Forest for the long Memorial Day weekend, rafters, campers and others traveling along the Rio Chama should be prepared for higher-than-normal water levels and faster-than-normal flows on the river.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), the Rio Chama is experiencing “the most robust spring runoff” since 2005. BOR is currently releasing 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) from El Vado Reservoir into the Rio Chama in an attempt to keep up with the snowmelt. The safe channel capacity for this stretch of the Rio Chama is 4,500 cfs. And there is still a lot of snow sitting at higher elevations. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s May forecast, approximately 100,000 acre-feet of water will come into El Vado before the end of July.

“Higher flows mean greater thrills but also greater challenges for rafters on the Rio Chama this year,” Coyote District Ranger Lee Stewart said. “If you are going to be on or near the river, please remember that conditions are changing by the minute and water levels are fluctuating dramatically. We ask you to use extreme caution and stay safe.” 

In 1988, Congress designated 31 miles of the Rio Chama as a National Wild and Scenic River for its outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values. All commercial outfitters must have a special use permit issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Taos Field Office. Private boaters may float the section of the Rio Chama downstream from the Christ in the Desert Monastery without a permit, but overnight float trips above the Monastery also require a permit from the BLM.

For additional information, contact the Coyote Ranger District at 575.638.5526.