Paddle Report

Headwaters At Thousand Island Lake To Agnew Meadows river run

California, USA Middle Fork San Joaquin River Class III-IV+
Today high
--
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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Headwaters At Thousand Island Lake To Agnew Meadows -- California paddle run
Headwaters At Thousand Island Lake To Agnew Meadows California · Middle Fork San Joaquin River
About this run

Headwaters At Thousand Island Lake To Agnew Meadows

The Whitewater River Run on the San Joaquin River is a popular class III-IV+ whitewater run in California. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 600-1000 cfs, which typically occurs during the spring and early summer. The segment mileage of this run is approximately 15 miles long, starting at the Headwaters at Thousand Island Lake and ending at Agnew Meadows.

The run includes several challenging rapids, such as "Devil's Postpile," "Rainbow Falls," and "Hole in the Wall," each with its unique obstacles and challenges. Paddlers must navigate through tight boulder gardens, steep drops, and strong currents, requiring advanced technical skills and experience.

In terms of regulations, paddlers must obtain a permit to access this area, as it is located within the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Additionally, there are strict guidelines for camping and fire use to protect the fragile ecosystem of the region.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run on the San Joaquin River offers a challenging and exhilarating experience for experienced paddlers. It is important to note that this run is not suitable for beginners or those without advanced technical skills. It is essential to check current streamflow levels and weather conditions before embarking on this adventure to ensure safety and enjoyment.
StateCalifornia
RiverMiddle Fork San Joaquin River
ClassIII-IV+
Elevation7,593 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal61%
StreamgageUSGS 11224000
Latitude37.6767°
Longitude-119.0946°
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 Headwaters At Thousand Island Lake To Agnew Meadows -- 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 At Thousand Island Lake To Agnew Meadows 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 At Thousand Island Lake To Agnew Meadows

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters At Thousand Island Lake To Agnew Meadows?

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.