Paddle Report

Big Meadows To Filaree Flat river run

California, USA Santa Ana River And Tributaries Class IV-V
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
44%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
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Big Meadows To Filaree Flat -- California paddle run
Big Meadows To Filaree Flat California · Santa Ana River And Tributaries
About this run

Big Meadows To Filaree Flat

The Whitewater River Run from Big Meadows to Filaree Flat is located in California and is considered a challenging Class IV-V river. The ideal streamflow range (cfs) for this river run is between 400 and 800 cubic feet per second. The segment mileage of this run is approximately 20 miles.

This river run is known for its advanced rapids, including Devil's Toilet Bowl, Suicide Falls, and Pinball Rapid. These rapids require advanced paddling skills and knowledge of navigating technical maneuvers. Additionally, there are several other rapids and obstacles on this river run that require expert-level kayaking or rafting skills.

There are specific regulations that apply to the Whitewater River Run. It is recommended that all paddlers wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets. Additionally, all paddlers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash and waste. This river run is located on public lands, and permits may be required for overnight camping or use of certain areas.

StateCalifornia
RiverSanta Ana River And Tributaries
ClassIV-V
Elevation1,970 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal44%
StreamgageUSGS 11051499
Latitude34.1631°
Longitude-116.9803°
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 Big Meadows To Filaree Flat -- 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 Big Meadows To Filaree Flat 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 Big Meadows To Filaree Flat

What's the optimal flow for Big Meadows To Filaree Flat?

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.

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.

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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