Last Updated: December 4, 2025
Idaho's streamflow report indicates a mixed state of river conditions for water enthusiasts and conservationists. Several rivers are experiencing lower-than-average flows, which could impact recreational activities and aquatic ecosystems. For instance, the Kootenai River, with key locations like Leonia and Bonners Ferry, displays a significant reduction in streamflow, with the current streamflow at Leonia marked at 17,400 cfs, which is 14.64% below normal. The Moyie River at Eastport shows an even more dramatic decrease, flowing at a mere 23.76% of normal levels. Cities relying on these rivers for water activities or resources may need to adapt to these lower flows. Conversely, the Clark Fork River below Cabinet Gorge Dam is reporting higher-than-normal flows at 10700 cfs, exceeding the typical by 14.77%, which hints at increased potential for flooding or enhanced conditions for whitewater enthusiasts. Whitewater trails on the Snake River and other popular routes could see varying conditions, and users should review current data before embarking.
Specifically noteworthy is the Bear River at the Idaho-Utah State Line, flowing at only 67.1% of its normal rate, which could indicate a flow drought that may affect both the river's ecology and recreational use. The significant 23.45% increase in streamflow over the last 24 hours on the Kootenai River at Porthill could suggest the onset of flooding conditions, necessitating caution for communities downstream. Cities like Twin Falls and Idaho Falls near the Snake River should be aware of the fluctuating flows, with recent changes of 10.83 cfs and 5.04 cfs respectively, indicating dynamic river conditions. The Lower Salmon River, an area cherished by rafters, is also experiencing reduced flows, so adventurers should plan accordingly. Overall, river conditions across Idaho are variable, and enthusiasts are encouraged to stay informed of current and forecasted water levels for safe and enjoyable river experiences.
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.
| 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 |
| 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 |