Paddle Report

Bishop Creek river run

Arizona, USA Bishop Creek Class III-IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
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Current flow
--
% of normal
73%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Bishop Creek -- Arizona paddle run
Bishop Creek Arizona · Bishop Creek
About this run

Bishop Creek

Bishop Creek is a popular whitewater river run in Arizona, located in the eastern part of the state. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 500-1500 cfs, which provides Class III-IV rapids suitable for intermediate and advanced kayakers and rafters. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 5 miles, starting at the US Forest Service Campground and ending at the confluence of the Little Colorado River.

Some of the specific river rapids and obstacles to watch out for on Bishop Creek include the "Bishop's Crack" and "Crucible" rapids, which are both technical and challenging sections that require skill and precision to navigate. The river also has several boulder gardens and steep drops, adding to the excitement and challenge of the run.

There are specific regulations to follow when visiting Bishop Creek, including obtaining the appropriate permits and adhering to Leave No Trace principles. The area is also subject to seasonal restrictions and closures, so it is important to check with the local ranger station for current information before planning a trip.

Overall, Bishop Creek is a thrilling whitewater run that offers a combination of technical rapids, challenging obstacles, and stunning scenery. It is important to come prepared with the right gear, experience, and knowledge of the area to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
StateArizona
RiverBishop Creek
ClassIII-IV
Elevation3,455 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal73%
StreamgageUSGS 09512500
Latitude34.2466°
Longitude-111.9859°
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 Bishop Creek -- 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 Bishop Creek 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 Bishop Creek

What's the optimal flow for Bishop Creek?

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 Bishop Creek.