Paddle Report

Blarney Meadows To South End Of Florence Lake river run

California, USA South Fork San Joaquin River Class II
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
103%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Blarney Meadows To South End Of Florence Lake -- California paddle run
Blarney Meadows To South End Of Florence Lake California · South Fork San Joaquin River
About this run

Blarney Meadows To South End Of Florence Lake

The Whitewater River Run from Blarney Meadows to the south end of Florence Lake in California is a popular destination for experienced kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this section is between 500 and 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). The class rating of the river ranges from class II to IV, with the most challenging rapids located between Devil's Postpile and Rainbow Falls.

The segment mileage for this section of the river is approximately 15 miles, with a total trip time of 1-2 days. Some of the notable rapids and obstacles on this stretch of the river include Devil's Postpile, Upper and Lower Rainbow Falls, and VVR Rapid. It is important for kayakers and rafters to be aware of the potential hazards of each rapid and to take necessary precautions.

There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a permit requirement for overnight camping and a restriction on campfires. Additionally, visitors are required to adhere to Leave No Trace principles and to pack out all trash and waste.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run from Blarney Meadows to the south end of Florence Lake is a challenging and exciting destination for experienced kayakers and rafters. It is important for visitors to be aware of the specific regulations and safety considerations for this area to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
StateCalifornia
RiverSouth Fork San Joaquin River
ClassII
Elevation7,593 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal103%
StreamgageUSGS 11224000
Latitude37.2423°
Longitude-118.9433°
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 Blarney Meadows To South End Of Florence Lake -- 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 Blarney Meadows To South End Of Florence Lake 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 Blarney Meadows To South End Of Florence Lake

What's the optimal flow for Blarney Meadows To South End Of Florence Lake?

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.