Paddle Report

Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument To Rainbow Falls river run

California, USA San Joaquin River, Middle Fork 10.0 mi long Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
61%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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 Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument To  Rainbow Falls -- California paddle run
Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument To Rainbow Falls California · San Joaquin River, Middle Fork
About this run

Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument To Rainbow Falls

The Whitewater River Run from Soda Springs Footbridge in Devils Postpile National Monument to Rainbow Falls in California is a popular and challenging whitewater rafting experience. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the San Joaquin River is between 300-800 cfs, making it a Class III-IV rated run.

The segment mileage for this run is approximately 6.5 miles, which includes exciting rapids such as the "Devil's Washbowl," "Hole in the Wall," and "Red's Slide." These rapids offer thrilling drops and challenging obstacles, making for an exciting whitewater experience.

However, it is important to note that this run requires a permit from the National Park Service and is only open during specific times of the year. Additionally, only licensed commercial rafting companies are allowed to guide trips on this section of the river.

In terms of regulations, visitors must follow all Leave No Trace principles and are required to wear personal flotation devices at all times while on the river. Camping is not allowed along the riverbank, and fires are only permitted in designated areas.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run from Soda Springs Footbridge in Devils Postpile National Monument to Rainbow Falls in California is an exhilarating and challenging whitewater experience that requires proper preparation and adherence to regulations.
StateCalifornia
RiverSan Joaquin River, Middle Fork
Run length10.0 mi
ClassIII-IV
Elevation7,593 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal61%
StreamgageUSGS 11224000
Latitude37.6272°
Longitude-119.0857°
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 Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument To Rainbow Falls -- 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 Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument To Rainbow Falls 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 Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument To Rainbow Falls

What's the optimal flow for Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument To Rainbow Falls?

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.