Big Grizzly Canyon To Oxbow Reservoir river run
Big Grizzly Canyon To Oxbow Reservoir
The total distance of the run is approximately 15 miles, with the first 6 miles containing the most difficult rapids. Some of the most notable rapids on the run include Big Grizzly, Powerhouse, and Hell's Kitchen. These rapids are known for their steep drops, large waves, and technical maneuvers. The remainder of the run is characterized by scenic stretches of calm water interspersed with occasional Class II-III rapids.
There are specific regulations to the area that rafters need to follow, including wearing appropriate personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets at all times. Additionally, the use of alcohol or drugs on the river is strictly prohibited. It is recommended that rafters have previous experience with Class III-IV rapids before attempting this run, as the rapids can be challenging and require skilled maneuvering. Overall, the Whitewater River Run from Big Grizzly Canyon to Oxbow Reservoir is a thrilling adventure for experienced rafters seeking a challenge.
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.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
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.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Big Grizzly Canyon To Oxbow Reservoir -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot C Bl Mutton Canyon Nr Georgetown Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| Pilot C Ab Stumpy Meadows Res Ca | 3 cfs | → |
| Nf American R A North Fork Dam Ca | 430 cfs | → |
| Blackwood C Nr Tahoe City Ca | 37 cfs | → |
| General C Nr Meeks Bay Ca | 7 cfs | → |
| Ward C At Hwy 89 Nr Tahoe Pines Ca | 23 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Boat launches
- Oxbow Raft Put-In Site
- Poho Ridge El Dorado County
- Forebay Road El Dorado County
- Junction Boat Ramp Road El Dorado County
- Dry Lakes Trail El Dorado County
- Rock Creek Road El Dorado County
Other river runs
- Interbay To Oxbow (End Of The World)
- Ellicots Bridge To Big Grizzly Canyon
- Tunnel Run (Ralston Powerhouse To Greenwood)
- Hell Hole Dam To Ellicotts Bridge
- South Fork American River
Campgrounds
- Ponderosa Cove Group Campground
- Ponderosa Cove
- Stumpy Meadows Campground
- Stumpy Meadows
- Black Oak Group Campground
- Black Oak Campground
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 Big Grizzly Canyon To Oxbow Reservoir 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.
About Big Grizzly Canyon To Oxbow Reservoir
What's the optimal flow for Big Grizzly Canyon To Oxbow Reservoir?
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.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Big Grizzly Canyon To Oxbow Reservoir.