Caution advised for rafters, hikers, equestrians, and high country access

U.S. Forest Service Gila National Forest

3005 Camino del Bosque silver City, NM 88061

Voice: 575-388-8200

Web: www.fs.usda.gov/gila

March 15, 2023 – In an unusually wet spring on the Gila National Forest,
caution is advised to nearly all visitors due to soft roads and abnormally high river flows. The
2022 monsoon season delivered nearly double the amount of rain as compared to an average
season, with greater than average precipitation continuing through winter. As a result, water
tables are recharged, and the ground remains saturated. Streams that typically only flow during
or after recent storm events are still experiencing above-normal flows.

Streamflow data from the United States Geological Survey shows elevated flows across the Gila
National Forest, with many sites registering two to three times the long-term average flow.
Hikers and equestrians are advised against attempts to cross any fork of the Gila River. Rafters
report numerous fallen-tree hazards across the Gila River, flooded campsites, and other safety
concerns associated with high flows. Forest roads at higher elevations remain snowbound,
boggy, and soft, ready to entrap the unsuspecting motorist. Access to Catwalk National
Recreation Area is inadvisable due to 3-foot water depth at the last stream crossing.

“All of the moisture from last summer, fall, and winter is a great blessing to a landscape affected
by decades of drought conditions,” said Silver City District Ranger Elizabeth Toney. “However,
it has also brought increased safety risks for all types of visitors to the Gila National Forest.
Please plan ahead so you don’t get caught unaware and unprepared for the challenges you may
face.”

The latest Gila Wilderness trail condition reports can be found at Gila Wilderness Trails Info.
Learn more about current streamflow conditions throughout New Mexico at USGS Current
Conditions for New Mexico_ Streamflow. Local snowpack information is available from the
Natural Resource Conservation Service at NRCS Interactive Snowpack Map. For additional or
site-specific information, call or stop by the local ranger district office to learn about the latest
conditions.

Black Range Ranger
District
575-894-6677

Glenwood Ranger District
575-539-2481

Reserve Ranger District
575-533-6232
1804 N. Date Street,
Truth or Consequences, NM
Highway 180 S. 18 Ranger
Station Road, Glenwood, NM
5 Smokey Bear Circle,
Reserve, NM

Quemado Ranger District
575-773-4678

3 Lyle Loop, Quemado, NM

Silver City Ranger District
575-388-8201
3005 E. Camino del Bosque,
Silver City, NM

Wilderness Ranger District
575-536-2250
3697 Highway 35 N,
Mimbres, NM