Last Updated: March 14, 2026
Idaho's numerous rivers and streams present a diverse range of streamflow conditions, vital for water enthusiasts and communities relying on these waterways. Recent data indicates varying streamflows across the state, with the Bear River basin showing significant reductions in streamflow, with Bear River at Border witnessing a 129 cubic feet per second (cfs) flow, a decrease of 14 cfs in the last 24 hours, and standing at 34.88 percent below normal. Similarly, the Kootenai River, critical for northern Idaho, shows mixed signs with the Kootenai River at Leonia flowing at a robust 9,510 cfs, slightly above normal, whereas the Kootenai River near the Tribal Hatchery in Bonners Ferry reports a significant flow drop to 15,700 cfs, at 23.23 percent below normal. Notably, the Clark Fork River below Cabinet Gorge Dam shows a substantial increase to 26,300 cfs, a rise that could signal potential flooding risks in surrounding areas, including the influence on popular whitewater destinations around the Cabinet Gorge.
In southern Idaho, the Snake River basin reveals concerning low flows with the Snake River near Irwin at a mere 874 cfs, which is a stark 57.41 percent below what is considered normal. Contrastingly, the Salmon River near Salmon maintains a healthier streamflow at 1,220 cfs, just above the average for this time, which may impact recreational activities and local ecosystems favorably. The Lochsa and Selway rivers, popular for their whitewater trails, also exhibit increased streamflows, with the Selway River near Lowell surging to 7,130 cfs, which is 58.5 percent above normal. These current conditions suggest that river users must stay informed about rapid changes, be it for recreation or safety, and communities should be prepared for possible water-related impacts.
Residents of Idaho are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 11 AM PDT today, with heavy snow accumulation of 3-5 inches in the mountains, potentially impacting areas such as Osburn, Pinehurst, and Kellogg. High Wind Warnings have also been issued across the Southwest Highlands and other central regions, with damaging northwest winds of 25 to 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph expected until 9 PM MDT this evening. These conditions may lead to downed trees and power lines, causing power outages and making travel hazardous, particularly for high-profile vehicles. Additionally, Flood Warnings are in place for rivers like Paradise Creek at Moscow, with moderate flooding already occurring that may affect streets and homes. Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow instructions from local authorities.
| 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 |