Paddle Report

Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary river run

California, USA Mcgee Creek Class II-III
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
106%
Loading current conditions…
Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
Streamflow history loading…
Loading next 24 hours…
Loading 7-day outlook…
Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary -- California paddle run
Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary California · Mcgee Creek
About this run

Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary

The Whitewater River Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary is a popular destination for rafting enthusiasts in California. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 200 and 600 cfs. It is rated as a class II-III river, providing a moderate level of difficulty for experienced rafters. The segment mileage is approximately 30 miles, starting from the headwaters and ending at the wilderness boundary.

The river rapids/obstacles in this section of the Whitewater River include the "Popo Agie Falls," which is a class III rapid that requires skilled maneuvering. Other notable rapids include "Deadman's Drop," "Souse Hole," and "Pinball." These rapids offer exciting challenges for rafters, but also require proper safety precautions to be taken.

Specific regulations for this area include the requirement for participants to have a permit to enter the San Gorgonio Wilderness area. Additionally, camping is only allowed in designated areas, and fires must be contained in established fire rings. Rafters must also follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the environment.

Overall, the Whitewater River Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary is an exciting and challenging river run for experienced rafters. It offers a variety of rapids and obstacles, as well as stunning scenery and wilderness areas. However, it is important for participants to follow regulations and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
StateCalifornia
RiverMcgee Creek
ClassII-III
Elevation6,951 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal106%
StreamgageUSGS 10265150
Latitude37.5156°
Longitude-118.8180°
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.

Loading hourly forecast…
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
Loading detailed forecast…
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.

Loading 15-day outlook…
Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary -- 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 To Wilderness Boundary 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 To Wilderness Boundary

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary?

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.

More river runs

Other runs near here

Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary.

Premium feature

Favorites and custom alerts are part of Snoflo Premium. Save runs, set discharge thresholds, and get push notifications when flows hit your window.

Upgrade to Premium Not now
🔔

Manage alerts in the Snoflo app

Custom push alerts are configured in the iOS app -- favorite this run, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me at 600 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.

Open App Store