Last Updated: February 20, 2026
In Idaho, river enthusiasts and water managers are observing a variety of streamflow conditions, with some rivers experiencing below-normal flows and others at or near normal levels. Specifically, rivers such as the Snake River near Minidoka and Twin Falls are showing significantly reduced streamflows, at 73.53% and 76.97% below their normal levels respectively, potentially impacting water activities and agriculture in the region. Conversely, the North Fork Payette River near Banks is flowing at a robust 49.67% above normal, which may interest whitewater enthusiasts looking for challenging conditions. In the Kootenai River Basin, the streamflow near Bonners Ferry is near normal, sitting at 59.73% of average, but water levels should be carefully monitored for any potential for flooding as the season progresses.
Major rivers such as the Boise and Payette show mixed conditions; the Boise River at Glenwood Bridge near Boise is below normal (-13.2%), while the Payette River near Payette is slightly above normal, with a 14.41% increase. For cities like Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls, the reduced streamflow in the Snake River could mean a tighter water supply and potential implications for recreational activities. For whitewater trails, the North Fork Payette River at Banks, with a gage height of 5.12 feet, could offer some of the more exciting conditions, while the reduced flow on the Snake River near Heise may deter some boating activities. Water users and recreationalists should stay updated on current conditions, as water levels can change rapidly with weather events and seasonal trends.
Residents in Idaho, particularly those in the Bear River Range and surrounding mountains, are advised to exercise extreme caution due to a significant avalanche advisory in effect through early Monday morning. The Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center warns of dangerous avalanche conditions following this week's heavy snowfall and strong winds which have overloaded preexisting weak layers in the snowpack. Outdoor enthusiasts should avoid backcountry travel in these areas over the weekend as the risk of avalanche accidents is high, evidenced by two recent fatalities and multiple incidents. Stay vigilant and prioritize safety by adhering to all advisories.
| 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 |