Paddle Report

Granite Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek river run

California, USA Elk Creek And Tributaries Class IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
18%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
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Granite Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek -- California paddle run
Granite Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek California · Elk Creek And Tributaries
About this run

Granite Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek

The Granite Creek Headwaters to Confluence with Elk Creek run in California is a popular whitewater river run for kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 800 and 1500 cfs, which provides a challenging but manageable experience for experienced paddlers. The run is rated as class IV, meaning that it is for advanced paddlers with good river skills.

This river run is approximately 10 miles long, and it includes several challenging rapids and obstacles, including the "Entrance Rapid," "Three Falls," and "Hole in the Wall." Paddlers should be prepared to face technical drops and steep chutes. The run also includes several pools that offer a chance to rest and catch your breath before tackling the next rapid.

There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a permit system that limits the number of paddlers on the river. Paddlers must also abide by Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash and waste. Additionally, paddlers should be aware of private property along the river and respect the rights of landowners.

StateCalifornia
RiverElk Creek And Tributaries
ClassIV
Elevation2,634 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal18%
StreamgageUSGS 11519500
Latitude41.6177°
Longitude-123.2861°
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 Granite Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek -- 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 Granite Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek 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 Granite Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek

What's the optimal flow for Granite Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek?

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.