Paddle Report

South Fork Meadows To San Gorgonia Wilderness Boundary river run

California, USA Santa Ana River And Tributaries Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Optimal low
500cfs
Optimal high
1,500cfs
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South Fork Meadows To San Gorgonia Wilderness Boundary -- California paddle run
South Fork Meadows To San Gorgonia Wilderness Boundary California · Santa Ana River And Tributaries
About this run

South Fork Meadows To San Gorgonia Wilderness Boundary

The Whitewater River is a popular destination for kayakers and rafters in California, particularly the South Fork Meadows to San Gorgonia Wilderness Boundary segment. The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 500 and 1,500 cfs, which typically occurs during the spring snowmelt or after a heavy rain event. This segment is rated as Class III-IV, meaning there are moderate to difficult rapids that require experienced paddlers. The segment is approximately 7 miles long and includes several notable rapids, including "Frog's Leap," "S-turn," and "Pinball." Obstacles include boulders, drops, and narrow channels that require precise maneuvering.

When planning a trip on the Whitewater River, it is important to be aware of specific regulations in the area. Permits are required to enter the San Gorgonio Wilderness, which includes the end of this segment. Additionally, there are restrictions on the use of motorized equipment and camping along the river. Visitors should also be mindful of the potential for flash flooding during the summer months.

StateCalifornia
RiverSanta Ana River And Tributaries
ClassIII-IV
Elevation7,149 ft
Optimal range500 — 1,500 cfs
Current flow--
StreamgageUSGS 10255900
Latitude34.1413°
Longitude-116.8475°
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 South Fork Meadows To San Gorgonia 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 South Fork Meadows To San Gorgonia 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 South Fork Meadows To San Gorgonia Wilderness Boundary

What's the optimal flow for South Fork Meadows To San Gorgonia 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.