Paddle Report

Tapeats Spring To Confluence With The Colorado River river run

Arizona, USA Tapeats Creek 5.0 mi long Class III-IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
52%
Loading current conditions…
Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
Streamflow history loading…
Loading next 24 hours…
Loading 7-day outlook…
 Tapeats Spring  To  Confluence With The Colorado River -- Arizona paddle run
Tapeats Spring To Confluence With The Colorado River Arizona · Tapeats Creek
About this run

Tapeats Spring To Confluence With The Colorado River

The Whitewater River Run from Tapeats Spring to Confluence With The Colorado River in Arizona is a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 4,000 and 25,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). This range provides exciting rapids without being too dangerous. The class rating for this run is between III and IV, meaning it is recommended for experienced paddlers.

The segment mileage for this run is approximately 70 miles, with several notable rapids and obstacles. Some of these rapids include Hance Rapid, Horn Creek Rapid, and Granite Rapid. Hance Rapid is a class IV rapid with steep drops and large waves, while Horn Creek Rapid has a difficult entrance and strong currents. Granite Rapid is a long and technical rapid, with a narrow chute and several large rocks to dodge.

In addition to the challenging rapids, there are specific regulations in place for this area. All boaters must obtain a permit from the National Park Service to enter the area. Additionally, all boaters must follow strict Leave No Trace principles, as the area is a protected wilderness area.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run from Tapeats Spring to Confluence With The Colorado River is an exciting and challenging destination for experienced whitewater paddlers. With ideal streamflow ranges, class III-IV rapids, and specific regulations in place, this run is a must-visit for those seeking adventure on the water.
StateArizona
RiverTapeats Creek
Run length5.0 mi
ClassIII-IV
Elevation1,994 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal52%
StreamgageUSGS 09403850
Latitude36.4064°
Longitude-112.4296°
Detailed forecast

Plan your run down to the hour

Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

Loading hourly forecast…
Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
Loading detailed forecast…
Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.

Loading 15-day outlook…
Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Tapeats Spring To Confluence With The Colorado River -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.

Whitewater safety

Check the flow before you run
Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
Know your skill ceiling
Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
Wear the right gear
Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
Scout, set safety, and run with a team
Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
Respect the river
Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.

Set push alerts in the Snoflo app

Save Tapeats Spring To Confluence With The Colorado River as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.

FAQ

About Tapeats Spring To Confluence With The Colorado River

What's the optimal flow for Tapeats Spring To Confluence With The Colorado River?

The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.

How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?

The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.

What's the whitewater class?

See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.

Where do I put in / take out?

Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.

Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?

Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.