Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Idaho's river systems are showing a diverse range of streamflow conditions as per the latest data, with some rivers experiencing flows significantly above or below their normal trends. For example, the Kootenai River at Porthill is running high with a current streamflow of 38,800 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is 79.37% above its normal, potentially impacting communities like Bonners Ferry. Conversely, the Bear River at the Idaho-Utah state line is lower than average at 24.79% below its typical flow. Water enthusiasts and communities along the Moyie River near Eastport should be mindful of the considerable increase in flow to 2,520 cfs, which is a considerable 327.55% above the norm, indicating a potential for localized flooding.
Rivers such as the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene, near Enaville, are also experiencing abnormally high flows, at 9060 cfs, which is a staggering 622.33% above normal, affecting areas like Prichard and potentially popular whitewater trails in the region. The South Fork of the Boise River, near Featherville, has seen a dramatic increase in its flow, now at 744 cfs, which is 239.21% of the normal flow, possibly affecting both recreational activities and wildlife habitats. Meanwhile, the Salmon River near Salmon presents a more stable flow at 1250 cfs, only 7.89% above average, which should be reassuring to the anglers and rafters frequenting this area. It's crucial for residents and visitors to stay updated on these dynamic conditions, especially in regions facing the extremes of high water levels or concerning droughts, to ensure safety and the appropriate use of these waterways.
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.
Residents of Idaho, brace for significant winter weather impacts as the National Weather Service issues multiple advisories across the state. Travel conditions are expected to be hazardous due to heavy snow accumulations and strong winds. Snowfall above 3000 feet, reaching 4 to 9 inches, with wind gusts up to 45 mph, will affect areas including Lookout Pass, Mullan, and Dobson Pass. Southern Twin Falls County, the Owyhee Mountains, and the Southwest Highlands face southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 55 mph. High elevations above 6,000 feet, particularly the Clearwater and Bitterroot Mountains, as well as Lost Trail Pass, Lemhi Pass, and Williams Creek Summit, anticipate 12 to 24 inches of snow with similar gusty conditions. Lower elevations should expect 3 to 7 inches of snow, and significant mountain snow is also forecast for the Big Hole Mountains, Centennial Mountains, and the Caribou Range. Cities like Stanley, Ketchum, and regions such as Sun Valley and the Sawtooth/Stanley Basin are warned of light to moderate valley snow and heavy mountain snow, with accumulations potentially making travel very difficult to impossible. Please exercise extreme caution and prepare for potential power outages and tree damage due to the winter storm and wind 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 |