CALIFORNIA FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

California's streamflow conditions reflect a varied hydrological landscape, with some regions experiencing significantly lower than normal flows while others are seeing heightened streamflows that could be of interest to river enthusiasts and water resource managers. For example, the Colorado River below Parker Dam is flowing at approximately 2300 cubic feet per second (cfs), a 38.68% decrease from what's considered normal for this time of year, indicating a noteworthy reduction in water movement which could affect local water supply and recreational activities near Blythe, Parker, and Laguna Dam. The Truckee River, an important waterway for the Reno and Lake Tahoe areas, as well as the whitewater community, is also below its average flow, with the Truckee River at Boca Bridge near Truckee reporting a flow of 385 cfs, which is 12.85% less than normal.

In contrast, the San Joaquin River near Mendota, which typically experiences a low streamflow due to water diversions for agriculture, has a flow of 149 cfs, which is a slight increase at 1.8% above the norm, possibly indicating a more substantial water availability in the Central Valley. On the other hand, the Sisquoc River near Sisquoc, which isn't widely known for boating but contributes to the Santa Maria watershed, shows a significant surge at 301 cfs, marking a remarkable 384.47% increase over the average, a signal that could imply potential flooding concerns or an opportunity for increased river activities. Moreover, the Santa Ana River below Prado Dam is flowing at 519 cfs, a substantial 152.96% above normal, which could indicate flooding risks for areas downstream such as Riverside. It is crucial for those interested in river-based recreation and inhabitants along these watercourses to stay informed about these changing conditions, as they could impact safety, water availability, and the health of aquatic ecosystems.

       



California has a diverse hydrological system with major surface flows, including the Sacramento and San Joaquin River systems, which provide water to the agricultural heartland. The state has numerous reservoirs and dams, including the Oroville Dam, which is the tallest in the US. California's climate is characterized by long periods of drought, punctuated by occasional heavy rainfall events. The state's hydrology is heavily influenced by snowpack, which accumulates in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the winter and provides a critical source of water during the dry season. The state's watersheds are also important, with the Sacramento River being the largest, providing water to much of Northern California. Overall, California's water management is complex and requires careful planning to balance the competing demands of agriculture, urban areas, and the environment.


       

Rafting & Kayaking

River Run Status Streamflow (CFS) Air Temp (F)
Chamberlain Falls (Iowa Hill to Yankee Jim)
Class IV to V-
45.52
Chili Bar
Class III to IV
RUNNABLE 1390 65
Coloma to Greenwood - (C to G)
Class II to III-
RUNNABLE 1390 65
Generation and Giant Gaps (Tadpole to Colfax-Iowa Hill Road)
Class IV to IV+
RUNNABLE 1390 65
Gold Creek to Three Pools (Opal Creek Run)
Class IV to V-
51.55
Greenwood to Mammoth Bar
Class II to II+
RUNNABLE 1390 65
Interbay to Oxbow (End of the World)
Class IV to V
42.19
Iron Gate Dam to Happy Camp
Class II to III
RUNNABLE 2550 51
Royal Gorge (Soda Springs to Tadpole Creek)
Class V to V+
RUNNABLE 817 51
Sandy Flat Camp to Democrat Picnic Area
Class IV to IV+
54.16
Sluice Box to Green Riffle
Class III- to IV
RUNNABLE 3690 48
Sunrise Avenue to Watt Avenue
Class II- to II
TOO HIGH 1020 63
Tahoe City to River Ranch
Class I
323 46
The Gorge
Class III to III+
48.74
Tunnel Run (Ralston Powerhouse to Greenwood)
Class IV- to IV
RUNNABLE 1390 65
Yankee Jim Road to Ponderosa Way (Shirttail)
Class II to III
RUNNABLE 1390 65
       
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