Paddle Report

Rock Springs To Confluence With Cottonwood Wash river run

Arizona, USA Parker Creek Class III-IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
29%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
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Rock Springs To Confluence With Cottonwood Wash -- Arizona paddle run
Rock Springs To Confluence With Cottonwood Wash Arizona · Parker Creek
About this run

Rock Springs To Confluence With Cottonwood Wash

The Whitewater River Run from Rock Springs to Confluence with Cottonwood Wash in Arizona is a popular river run among experienced kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 200 and 600 cubic feet per second (cfs), depending on the vessel used. The class rating for this section of the river is class III-IV, meaning it is recommended for experienced paddlers with proper equipment.

The total segment mileage for this run is about 10 miles, with a mix of calm stretches and challenging rapids. Some of the specific rapids and obstacles include "One Lane Bridge," "The Chute," "The Plunge," and "The Squeeze." These rapids are known for their narrow channels, sharp turns, and steep drops, making them challenging for even the most experienced paddlers.

There are specific regulations to the area that paddlers must follow, including obtaining a permit from the Bureau of Land Management and adhering to strict Leave No Trace principles. Additionally, there are rules regarding camping and fires along the river, so it is essential to plan ahead and bring all necessary gear.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run from Rock Springs to Confluence with Cottonwood Wash is an exciting and challenging river run that requires proper planning and experience. It is important to check current streamflow conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on this adventure to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
StateArizona
RiverParker Creek
ClassIII-IV
Elevation5,425 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal29%
StreamgageUSGS 09498503
Latitude33.8079°
Longitude-110.9433°
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 Rock Springs To Confluence With Cottonwood Wash -- 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 Rock Springs To Confluence With Cottonwood Wash 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 Rock Springs To Confluence With Cottonwood Wash

What's the optimal flow for Rock Springs To Confluence With Cottonwood Wash?

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.