* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of central California, including the following areas, Bakersfield, Buena Vista, Buttonwillow - Lost Hills - I5, Caruthers - San Joaquin - Selma, Coalinga - Avenal, Delano-Wasco-Shafter, Frazier Mountain Communities, Fresno-Clovis, Fresno-Tulare Foothills, Fresno-Tulare Lower Sierra, Grant Grove Area, Grapevine, Hanford - Corcoran - Lemoore, Indian Wells Valley, Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge, Kern River Valley, Kings Canyon NP, Los Banos - Dos Palos, Mariposa Madera Foothills, Merced - Madera - Mendota, Mojave Desert, Mojave Desert Slopes, Piute Walker Basin, Planada - Le Grand - Snelling, Sequoia NP, South End San Joaquin Valley, South End Sierra Foothills, South End of the Lower Sierra, South End of the Upper Sierra, Southeast San Joaquin Valley, Tehachapi, Visalia - Porterville - Reedley, West Side Mountains South of 198, West Side Mountains north of 198 and West Side of Fresno and Kings Counties. * WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 300-700 cfs, which provides Class III and IV rapids. The river is divided into three segments, with the first segment covering 3.5 miles, the second segment covering 5.5 miles, and the third segment covering 11.2 miles.
The first segment of the Whitewater River has mostly Class I and II rapids, but it also has a Class III rapid called "Headache." The second segment has Class III and IV rapids, with "Frogman's Grotto" being the most challenging rapid. The third segment has a mix of Class II, III, and IV rapids, with "Staircase" and "Triple Threat" being the most challenging.
The Whitewater River has several obstacles that kayakers and rafters must navigate, such as boulders, fallen trees, and tight chutes. It is important to note that the river is regulated, and all visitors must follow specific regulations, such as wearing a personal flotation device and having a permit to use the river.
Overall, the Whitewater River provides a thrilling and challenging experience for kayakers and rafters, with its Class III and IV rapids and various obstacles. It is essential to check the streamflow range before entering the river and to follow all regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
| Last Updated | 2025-12-19 |
| River Levels | 98 cfs (3.95 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 116% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-ii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 11200800 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Kern River Camp Ground. Bakersfield
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Camp Okihi. Bakersfield
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Oak Flat Lookout/cabin
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Kern River Park
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Breckenridge
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Breckenridge Campground
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