IDAHO FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

In Idaho, river and stream conditions are showing a mix of below-normal and above-normal streamflows, which could impact various water activities across the state. For instance, the Bear River at the Idaho-Utah state line is flowing at 453 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is significantly below the seasonal average, potentially affecting water supply and river recreation in the area. Conversely, the Kootenai River at Porthill is well above the normal flow at 29,700 cfs, with gage heights that could indicate flooding concerns for nearby communities. Adventure seekers should note that popular whitewater destinations like the Lochsa River near Lowell are experiencing high streamflows, at 5,030 cfs and a gage height of 5.04 feet, making for potentially thrilling but also hazardous conditions.

Major watersheds, including the Boise River Basin, are also experiencing variable conditions; the Boise River near Twin Springs shows an increased flow of 1,470 cfs, which may influence activities in surrounding cities like Boise and Caldwell. The South Fork Coeur d'Alene River above Pine Creek near Pinehurst is seeing high flows at 966 cfs, which can impact water enthusiasts and wildlife habitat. Cities such as Salmon and Shoup near the Salmon River, which is flowing at 1,310 cfs at Salmon and 1,820 cfs at Shoup, should monitor for any potential impacts on fishing and rafting activities. Residents and visitors near bodies of water must remain vigilant and keep abreast of the latest river conditions for safety and to maximize their enjoyment of Idaho's rich aquatic resources.

       



Idaho's flow conditions are influenced by its unique hydrology and climate characteristics. The state has numerous major surface flows, including the Snake River, Salmon River, and Clearwater River, all of which are important for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreation. Idaho also has several large reservoirs and dams, such as the Boise River Reservoir and Lucky Peak Dam, which play a crucial role in regulating water flow and supply. The state's watersheds and snowpack levels are also significant indicators of hydrologic conditions, with winter snowpack providing a critical source of water for the state's rivers and streams during the summer months. Overall, Idaho's flow conditions are shaped by a complex interplay of natural and human factors, making it an important area of study for hydrologists and water resource managers.


       

Winter Storm Warnings

December 22 2025

Residents in Idaho are advised to exercise extreme caution as authorities have issued multiple warnings for natural disasters across the state. An Avalanche Warning is in effect for areas including Island Park, West Yellowstone, and Cooke City, with high avalanche danger on all slopes and likely natural and human-triggered slides. Winter Weather Advisories are also in place for regions such as Dobson Pass, Lookout Pass, Big Hole Mountains, and Bear River Range, with heavy snowfall and winds up to 35 MPH creating slippery conditions and travel disruptions. Additionally, a Winter Storm Warning with accumulations of 1 to 5 inches affects areas like the Big Lost Highlands, Copper Basin, and Sun Valley Region. Residents in impacted areas, particularly those in mountainous regions, should prepare for hazardous travel conditions and consider altering travel plans to avoid being caught in dangerous situations.


Rafting & Kayaking

River Run Status Streamflow (CFS) Air Temp (F)
32nd Street to Smelter
Class III to IV-
34.11
Black Canyon - Highway 34 to Grace Powerhouse
Class IV to V
TOO HIGH 1630 59
Blackfoot Wolverine Canyon Run
Class IV+ to V
RUNNABLE 144 56
Boundary Creek to Cache Bar
Class III to IV+
RUNNABLE 3670 48
Boundary Creek to Cache Bar
Class III to IV+
RUNNABLE 3670 48
Boundary Creek to Cache Bar
Class III to IV+
RUNNABLE 3670 48
Boundary Creek to Cache Bar
Class III to IV+
RUNNABLE 3670 48
Boundary Creek to Cache Bar
Class III to IV+
RUNNABLE 3670 48
Box Canyon
Class II
RUNNABLE 267 50
Bruneau (Indian Hot Springs to Bruneau)
Class II+ to IV
RUNNABLE 1270 53
Cabarton
Class II to III
TOO LOW 44.6 35
Challis Bridge to Deer Gulch
Class II
RUNNABLE 1070 55
Coffee Pot
Class III
RUNNABLE 390 48
Colston to the Town of Salmon
Class II to II+
TOO HIGH 1070 55
Corn Creek to Vinegar Creek/Carey Creek (Main Salmon)
Class III to IV
RUNNABLE 1560 54
Corn Creek to Vinegar Creek/Carey Creek (Main Salmon)
Class III to IV
RUNNABLE 1560 54
Corn Creek to Vinegar Creek/Carey Creek (Main Salmon)
Class III to IV
RUNNABLE 1560 54
East Fork to Challis Bridge
Class II
RUNNABLE 1070 55
Fish Creek to Split Creek
Class III to IV
RUNNABLE 2490 58
Float Creek to Middle Fork of the Salmon
Class IV
35.94
Hammer Creek to Heller Bar (Lower Salmon)
Class III- to IV
TOO LOW 527 58
Headwaters (Gold Creek to Stanley)
Class III- to III+
TOO HIGH 1070 55
Hells Canyon (Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburg Landing)
Class III to IV
RUNNABLE 9860 51
Kelly's Whitewater Park
Class III
216 45
Murphy to Bruneau
Class III- to V
TOO LOW 20 57
Murphy to Bruneau
Class III- to V
TOO LOW 20 57
Murphy to Bruneau
Class III- to V
TOO LOW 20 57
Murtaugh Canyon
Class IV
TOO LOW 57
Pahsimeroi to Royal Gorge
Class II- to III-
TOO HIGH 1070 55
Palisade Dam to Lorenzo (South Fork)
Class II
RUNNABLE 3090 45
Paradise to Selway Falls
Class IV- to V
42.37
Piece of Cake Run (Sunbeam to Torreys)
Class III to IV
35.55
Pittsburg Landing to Heller Bar
Class II to III
RUNNABLE 9860 51
Salmon to North Fork
Class II
TOO HIGH 1070 55
Secesh to Main (The Canyon)
Class III to V
418 49
Split Creek to Lowell
Class II+ to III+
RUNNABLE 2490 58
Sunbeam Run (Stanley to Sunbeam Dam)
Class III- to III+
TOO HIGH 1070 55
Torreys to East Fork
Class II
RUNNABLE 1070 55
White Pine (Indian Grave Creek) to Wilderness Gateway Bridge
Class IV- to IV+
RUNNABLE 2490 58
White Sands to White Pine (Indian Grave Creek)
Class II to III
42.12
       
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