Paddle Report

Headwaters Kennedy Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus river run

California, USA Middle Fork Stanislaus River Class IV-III
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
69%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Headwaters Kennedy Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus -- California paddle run
Headwaters Kennedy Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus California · Middle Fork Stanislaus River
About this run

Headwaters Kennedy Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus

The Whitewater River Run from Headwaters Kennedy Creek to Confluence with Middle Fork Stanislaus in California is a popular destination for kayaking and rafting enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 1000 and 3000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The segment has a class rating of III-IV, which means it is best suited for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The total distance of this segment is around 10 miles.

The river is known for its challenging rapids, including the Class IV Troublemaker, which requires paddlers to navigate a narrow chute with large boulders. Another notable rapid is the Class III Thornberry, which features a tight bend with a technical drop. Paddlers should also be aware of the steep drops at the Class III+ Deer Creek Falls.

There are specific regulations to the area that paddlers should adhere to, including the requirement for a permit to access the river. The maximum group size allowed is 15 people, and all paddlers must wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) at all times. Additionally, motorized boats are not allowed on this segment of the river.

StateCalifornia
RiverMiddle Fork Stanislaus River
ClassIV-III
Elevation6,593 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal69%
StreamgageUSGS 10296000
Latitude38.2392°
Longitude-119.6108°
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 Headwaters Kennedy Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus -- 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 Kennedy Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus 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 Kennedy Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters Kennedy Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus?

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.