Paddle Report

Headwaters In Sec 15,T10n, R17e To Confluence With Silver Fork Of American River river run

California, USA Caples Creek Class IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
--
Loading current conditions…
Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
Optimal low
500cfs
Optimal high
1,500cfs
Streamflow history loading…
Loading next 24 hours…
Loading 7-day outlook…
Headwaters In Sec 15,T10n, R17e To Confluence With Silver Fork Of American River -- California paddle run
Headwaters In Sec 15,T10n, R17e To Confluence With Silver Fork Of American River California · Caples Creek
About this run

Headwaters In Sec 15,T10n, R17e To Confluence With Silver Fork Of American River

The whitewater river run from Headwaters in Sec 15, T10N, R17E to Confluence with Silver Fork of American River in California is known for its thrilling Class IV rapids, making it a popular destination for experienced rafters and kayakers. The ideal streamflow range is between 500-1500 CFS, which occurs during the spring and early summer months due to snowmelt. This segment of the river is approximately 8.5 miles long and features several notable rapids, including "Tiger Creek Falls" and "Chunder."

There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a required permit for all boaters and a limit on the number of boaters allowed on the river at any given time. Additionally, there are restrictions on camping and fires along the riverbank to protect the natural habitat.

It is important to note that this segment of the river should only be attempted by experienced boaters, as there are several challenging rapids and obstacles, including steep drops and tight chutes. Safety equipment, including helmets and life jackets, is required for all boaters. It is also recommended to go with a guide or experienced group, as the river can be unpredictable and dangerous without proper knowledge and preparation.

StateCalifornia
RiverCaples Creek
ClassIV
Elevation6,498 ft
Optimal range500 — 1,500 cfs
Current flow--
StreamgageUSGS 10336580
Latitude38.7085°
Longitude-120.0703°
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.

Loading hourly forecast…
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
Loading detailed forecast…
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.

Loading 15-day outlook…
Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Headwaters In Sec 15,T10n, R17e To Confluence With Silver Fork Of American 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 In Sec 15,T10n, R17e To Confluence With Silver Fork Of American 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 In Sec 15,T10n, R17e To Confluence With Silver Fork Of American River

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters In Sec 15,T10n, R17e To Confluence With Silver Fork Of American 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.