— pulling live conditions from USGS —
Browse every tracked river, A–Z

Live float conditions for 35 New Mexico rivers

Every river below is monitored through its USGS streamflow gauges, refreshed every 15 minutes and rated in plain language for kayak, canoe, raft and tube. Select a river for the live dashboard with current flow, trend, weather and community reports.

San Juan River

San Juan River is a mid-sized river in the San Juan / Four Corners region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the San Juan River Near Archuleta, Nm gauge runs roughly 320–1,200 cfs. Rafts want at least ~470 cfs. Tubing is best 220–840 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: San Juan / Four Corners · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: San Juan River Near Archuleta, Nm, San Juan River At Bloomfield, Nm, San Juan River At Farmington, Nm, San Juan River At Shiprock, Nm

Live San Juan River conditions →

Rio Grande (Taos Box)

Rio Grande (Taos Box) is a small river in the Rio Grande Corridor region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Grande Near Cerro, Nm gauge runs roughly 170–640 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 120–390 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Rio Grande Corridor · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Rio Grande Near Cerro, Nm, Rio Grande Blw Taos Junction Bridge Near Taos, Nm

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Rio Chama

Rio Chama is a small creek in the Rio Chama region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Chama Above Chama, Nm gauge runs roughly 75–120 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 50–75 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Rio Chama · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rio Chama Above Chama, Nm, Rio Chama Below El Vado Dam, Nm, Rio Chama Below Abiquiu Dam, Nm, Rio Chama Near Chamita, Nm

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Red River

Red River is a small creek in the Taos & Sangre de Cristo region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Red River Near Questa, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Taos & Sangre de Cristo · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Red River Near Questa, Nm, Red River Below Fish Hatchery, Near Questa, Nm

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Cimarron River

Cimarron River is a small creek in the Northeast Plains region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Cimarron River Below Eagle Nest Dam, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–180 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Northeast Plains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Cimarron River Below Eagle Nest Dam, Nm, Cimarron River Near Cimarron, Nm

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Pecos River (Upper)

Pecos River (Upper) is a small creek in the Pecos Headwaters region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Pecos River Near Pecos, Nm gauge runs roughly 70–90 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 50–65 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Pecos Headwaters · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Pecos River Near Pecos, Nm, Pecos River Near Anton Chico, Nm

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Gila River

Gila River is a small creek in the Gila & Southwest region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Gila River Nr Gila Hot Springs, Nm gauge runs roughly 85–110 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 60–75 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Gila & Southwest · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Gila River Nr Gila Hot Springs, Nm, Gila River Near Gila, Nm, Gila River Near Redrock, Nm, Gila River Below Blue Creek, Near Virden, Nm

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Animas River

Animas River is a small river in the San Juan / Four Corners region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Animas River Below Aztec, Nm gauge runs roughly 220–640 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 150–450 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: San Juan / Four Corners · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Animas River Below Aztec, Nm, Animas River At Penny Lane Near Flora Vista, Nm, Animas River At Farmington, Nm

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Jemez River

Jemez River is a small creek in the Jemez Mountains region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Jemez River Near Jemez, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–50 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Jemez Mountains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Jemez River Near Jemez, Nm

Live Jemez River conditions →

Rio Grande (Central)

Rio Grande (Central) is a mid-sized river in the Rio Grande Corridor region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge, Nm gauge runs roughly 510–1,500 cfs. Rafts want at least ~660 cfs. Tubing is best 360–1,000 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Rio Grande Corridor · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge, Nm, Rio Grande Below Cochiti Dam, Nm, Rio Grande At Albuquerque, Nm

Live Rio Grande (Central) conditions →

Rio Costilla

Rio Costilla is a small creek in the Taos & Sangre de Cristo region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Costilla Creek Above Costilla Dam, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Taos & Sangre de Cristo · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Costilla Creek Above Costilla Dam, Nm, Costilla Creek Near Costilla, Nm

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Rio Ruidoso

Rio Ruidoso is a small creek in the Sacramento & Southeast region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Ruidoso At Ruidoso, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Sacramento & Southeast · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rio Ruidoso At Ruidoso, Nm, Rio Ruidoso At Hollywood, Nm

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Rio Hondo (Taos)

Rio Hondo (Taos) is a small creek in the Taos & Sangre de Cristo region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Hondo Near Valdez, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Taos & Sangre de Cristo · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rio Hondo Near Valdez, Nm

Live Rio Hondo (Taos) conditions →

Pecos River (Lower)

Pecos River (Lower) is a small creek in the Lower Pecos region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Pecos River Below Sumner Dam, Nm gauge runs roughly 100–130 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 70–90 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Lower Pecos · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Pecos River Below Sumner Dam, Nm, Pecos River Near Acme, Nm, Pecos River Below Brantley Dam Near Carlsbad, Nm, Pecos River At Red Bluff, Nm

Live Pecos River (Lower) conditions →

San Francisco River

San Francisco River is a small creek in the Gila & Southwest region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the San Francisco River At Reserve, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Gila & Southwest · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: San Francisco River At Reserve, Nm, San Francisco River Near Glenwood, Nm

Live San Francisco River conditions →

Rio Grande (Lower)

Rio Grande (Lower) is a mid-sized river in the Rio Grande Corridor region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Grande Floodway At San Acacia, Nm gauge runs roughly 150–7,300 cfs. Rafts want at least ~350 cfs. Tubing is best 100–1,000 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Rio Grande Corridor · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing, Rafting · USGS gauges: Rio Grande Floodway At San Acacia, Nm, Rio Grande Below Elephant Butte Dam, Nm

Live Rio Grande (Lower) conditions →

Canadian River

Canadian River is a small creek in the Northeast Plains region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Canadian River Near Taylor Springs, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–80 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Northeast Plains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Canadian River Near Taylor Springs, Nm, Canadian River Near Sanchez, Nm, Canadian River At Logan, Nm

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West Fork Gila

West Fork Gila is a small creek in the Gila & Southwest region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the West Fork Gila River At Gila Cliff Dwellings, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–45 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Gila & Southwest · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: West Fork Gila River At Gila Cliff Dwellings, Nm, W Fork Gila R Blw Mdl Fork Nr Gila Hot Springs, Nm

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Rio Brazos

Rio Brazos is a small creek in the Rio Chama region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Brazos At Fishtail Road Nr Tierra Amarilla, Nm gauge runs roughly 55–70 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 40–50 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Rio Chama · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rio Brazos At Fishtail Road Nr Tierra Amarilla, Nm

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Rio Pueblo de Taos

Rio Pueblo de Taos is a small creek in the Taos & Sangre de Cristo region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Pueblo De Taos Near Taos, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Taos & Sangre de Cristo · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rio Pueblo De Taos Near Taos, Nm, Rio Pueblo De Taos Below Los Cordovas, Nm

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Embudo Creek

Embudo Creek is a small creek in the Taos & Sangre de Cristo region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Embudo Creek At Dixon, Nm gauge runs roughly 50–65 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 35–45 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Taos & Sangre de Cristo · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Embudo Creek At Dixon, Nm, Rio Pueblo Nr Penasco, Nm

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Rio Mora

Rio Mora is a small creek in the Pecos Headwaters region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Mora Near Terrero, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Pecos Headwaters · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rio Mora Near Terrero, Nm

Live Rio Mora conditions →

Black River

Black River is a small creek in the Sacramento & Southeast region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Black River At Harkey Crossing Nr Malaga, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Sacramento & Southeast · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Black River At Harkey Crossing Nr Malaga, Nm, Black River Above Malaga, Nm, Black River At Malaga, Nm

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Rio Lucero

Rio Lucero is a small creek in the Taos & Sangre de Cristo region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Lucero Near Arroyo Seco, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Taos & Sangre de Cristo · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rio Lucero Near Arroyo Seco, Nm

Live Rio Lucero conditions →

Coyote Creek

Coyote Creek is a small creek in the Northeast Plains region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Coyote Creek Near Golondrinas, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Northeast Plains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Coyote Creek Near Golondrinas, Nm

Live Coyote Creek conditions →

Rio Penasco

Rio Penasco is a small creek in the Sacramento & Southeast region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Penasco Near Dunken, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–60 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Sacramento & Southeast · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rio Penasco Near Dunken, Nm

Live Rio Penasco conditions →

Rio Grande del Rancho

Rio Grande del Rancho is a small creek in the Taos & Sangre de Cristo region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Grande Del Rancho Near Talpa, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Taos & Sangre de Cristo · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rio Grande Del Rancho Near Talpa, Nm

Live Rio Grande del Rancho conditions →

Rayado Creek

Rayado Creek is a small creek in the Northeast Plains region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rayado Creek Near Cimarron, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Northeast Plains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rayado Creek Near Cimarron, Nm

Live Rayado Creek conditions →

Rio Ojo Caliente

Rio Ojo Caliente is a small creek in the Taos & Sangre de Cristo region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Rio Ojo Caliente At La Madera, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Taos & Sangre de Cristo · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Rio Ojo Caliente At La Madera, Nm

Live Rio Ojo Caliente conditions →

Gallinas River

Gallinas River is a small creek in the Pecos Headwaters region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Gallinas Creek Near Montezuma, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Pecos Headwaters · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Gallinas Creek Near Montezuma, Nm, Gallinas River Near Lourdes, Nm

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Mora River

Mora River is a small creek in the Northeast Plains region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Mora River At La Cueva, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–45 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Northeast Plains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Mora River At La Cueva, Nm, Mora River Near Golondrinas, Nm

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Mogollon Creek

Mogollon Creek is a small creek in the Gila & Southwest region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Mogollon Creek Near Cliff, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–50 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Gila & Southwest · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Mogollon Creek Near Cliff, Nm

Live Mogollon Creek conditions →

Santa Cruz River

Santa Cruz River is a small creek in the Taos & Sangre de Cristo region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Santa Cruz River Near Cundiyo, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Taos & Sangre de Cristo · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Santa Cruz River Near Cundiyo, Nm

Live Santa Cruz River conditions →

Vermejo River

Vermejo River is a small creek in the Northeast Plains region. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Vermejo River Near Dawson, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Northeast Plains · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Vermejo River Near Dawson, Nm

Live Vermejo River conditions →

Mimbres River

Mimbres River is a small creek in the Gila & Southwest region. Flows are dam-influenced — levels can jump with releases, so check the live gauge (and the generation schedule where posted) right before you launch. For kayaks and canoes the good float band at the Mimbres River At Mimbres, Nm gauge runs roughly 40–55 cfs. It's generally too small to raft. Tubing is best 30–40 cfs on warm days. Bands are estimated from long-term USGS flow percentiles — verify with local outfitters and American Whitewater before you commit.

Region: Gila & Southwest · Best for: Kayak & Canoe, Tubing · USGS gauges: Mimbres River At Mimbres, Nm

Live Mimbres River conditions →

New Mexico river conditions — FAQ

How current is the New Mexico river data?

Flow readings come straight from USGS gauges and refresh every 15 minutes. Every New Mexico river shows the exact reading time for each gauge, so you always know how fresh the number is.

Which New Mexico rivers are safe to float or paddle right now?

All 35 New Mexico rivers we track are rated Wadeable, Caution, Limited, or Blown out against thresholds tuned to each individual gauge. Open the dashboard for a live top-to-bottom read of every river.

What does CFS mean for floating?

CFS — cubic feet per second — is how much water is moving past the gauge. Higher CFS means faster, deeper, pushier water. The safe range differs on every river, which is why each gauge carries its own thresholds rather than one blanket number.

How much rain fell on New Mexico rivers, and how much is coming?

Each river page shows total observed rainfall over the last 48 hours plus the forecast for the next 48 hours at that gauge — the fastest way to tell whether the water is about to blow out or start clearing.

Do you cover my New Mexico river?

We track 35 New Mexico rivers behind live USGS gauges. Open any river for live conditions, species timing, public access points, and recent rainfall.