Paddle Report

Headwaters To Confluence With The Colorado River river run

Arizona, USA Saddle Canyon Creek 7.0 mi long Class IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
98%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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 Headwaters To  Confluence With The Colorado River -- Arizona paddle run
Headwaters To Confluence With The Colorado River Arizona · Saddle Canyon Creek
About this run

Headwaters To Confluence With The Colorado River

The Whitewater River Run in Arizona is a popular destination for kayaking and rafting enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 800-2,500 cfs, and the class rating ranges from II-IV depending on the segment of the river. The entire river run is around 40 miles long, with the most popular segment being the 18-mile stretch from the Headwaters to Horseshoe Bend.

One of the main obstacles on this river is the House Rock Rapid, which is a class IV rapid that requires technical skill to navigate successfully. Other notable rapids include the Gauging Station Rapid, the Redwall Cavern Rapid, and the Elves Chasm Rapid.

In terms of regulations, all boaters are required to have a permit to access the river. Permits can be obtained through the National Park Service, and there are limits on the number of permits issued each day to minimize the impact on the environment. Additionally, boaters must follow Leave No Trace principles and be mindful of the fragile ecosystem surrounding the river.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run is an exciting and challenging adventure for experienced kayakers and rafters. However, it is important to be aware of the specific regulations and to respect the natural environment in order to preserve this unique and beautiful area for future generations.
StateArizona
RiverSaddle Canyon Creek
Run length7.0 mi
ClassIV
Elevation2,768 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal98%
StreamgageUSGS 09402300
Latitude36.3058°
Longitude-111.9787°
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.

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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
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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.

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Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Headwaters 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 Headwaters 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 Headwaters To Confluence With The Colorado River

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters 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.