Paddle Report

Agua Fria River river run

Arizona, USA Agua Fria River Class II-IV+
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
73%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Streamflow history loading…
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Agua Fria River -- Arizona paddle run
Agua Fria River Arizona · Agua Fria River
About this run

Agua Fria River

The Agua Fria River is located in Arizona and is a popular destination for whitewater river runs. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 250-800 cfs, which typically occurs in the spring or after heavy rainstorms. The class rating for the river varies depending on the segment, ranging from Class II to Class IV+ rapids. The segment mileage for the river run is approximately 20 miles, beginning at Table Mesa Road and ending at Lake Pleasant.

The river is known for its various rapids and obstacles, including Quartzite Falls, The V, and Lone Pine Rapid. These rapids provide a thrilling experience for experienced whitewater rafters. However, it is important to note that the river is not recommended for beginners.

In terms of regulations, the Agua Fria River is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and requires a permit for all river trips. Additionally, campfires are not allowed along the river, and visitors are required to follow Leave No Trace principles to maintain the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, the Agua Fria River provides a challenging and exciting whitewater river run for experienced rafters. It is important to adhere to regulations and safety guidelines to ensure a successful and enjoyable trip.
StateArizona
RiverAgua Fria River
ClassII-IV+
Elevation3,455 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal73%
StreamgageUSGS 09512500
Latitude34.2576°
Longitude-112.0641°
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 Agua Fria 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 Agua Fria 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 Agua Fria River

What's the optimal flow for Agua Fria 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.

More river runs

Other runs near here

Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Agua Fria River.