Paddle Report

Rainey Valley Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek river run

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

Rainey Valley Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek

The Whitewater River run of Rainey Valley Creek Headwaters to Confluence with Elk Creek is a thrilling adventure for experienced kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 500-1000 cfs. The class rating for this run is Class IV-V, which means it is a challenging and technical run with significant rapids and obstacles.

The segment mileage for this run is approximately 5 miles. Some of the notable rapids and obstacles on this run include the Entrance Rapid, which features a steep drop, tight channel, and boulders. The Corkscrew Rapid is another challenging section with a series of drops and tight turns. The S-Turn Rapid features a long series of drops and a tight, winding channel.

When planning a trip on this run, it is important to note that there are specific regulations in place. The Bureau of Land Management requires all boaters on this section of the river to have a permit, which can be obtained through their website. Additionally, there may be restrictions on the use of motorized vehicles in some areas. It is important to check with the appropriate land management agency before planning a trip.

Overall, the Whitewater River run of Rainey Valley Creek Headwaters to Confluence with Elk Creek is a challenging and exciting adventure for experienced paddlers. It is important to carefully consider streamflow levels, class rating, and specific obstacles before attempting this run.
StateCalifornia
RiverElk Creek And Tributaries
ClassIV-V
Elevation2,634 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal18%
StreamgageUSGS 11519500
Latitude41.5986°
Longitude-123.2503°
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 Rainey Valley 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 Rainey Valley 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 Rainey Valley Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek

What's the optimal flow for Rainey Valley 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.