Silver Lake To Meadow Valley river run
Silver Lake To Meadow Valley
The segment mileage for this run is approximately 7.5 miles, with a put-in at Silver Lake and a take-out at Meadow Valley. The run includes a variety of rapids and obstacles, including Widowmaker, a Class V rapid that requires expert navigation. Other notable sections include Boxcar, a technical and rocky rapid, and Downstream, a long and continuous rapid with multiple drops.
The area is subject to specific regulations, including a permit requirement for commercial outfitters. Private boaters are allowed on the river but must follow guidelines set by the Forest Service. These guidelines include carrying a personal flotation device, using proper safety equipment, and respecting the natural environment.
In conclusion, the Whitewater River run from Silver Lake to Meadow Valley in California is a challenging and exciting experience for intermediate and advanced kayakers. With an ideal streamflow range of 300-800 cfs, a Class III-IV rating, and notable rapids such as Widowmaker and Boxcar, this run offers a thrilling adventure to those seeking a whitewater challenge. Private boaters must adhere to specific regulations set by the Forest Service to ensure the safety of all visitors.
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.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
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.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Silver Lake To Meadow Valley -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish C A Quincy Ca | 58 cfs | → |
| Spanish C Ab Blackhawk C At Keddie Ca | 118 cfs | → |
| N Yuba R Bl Goodyears Bar Ca | 631 cfs | → |
| Butte C Nr Chico Ca | 320 cfs | → |
| Deer C Nr Vina Ca | 249 cfs | → |
| Mill C Nr Los Molinos Ca | 298 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Boat launches
- Plumas County
- Oroville-Quincy Road 17000-17046, Meadow Valley
- Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, California
- Peninsula Road, Strawberry Valley
Other river runs
- Headwaters To Bucks Lake
- Confluence Of Spanish Creek And Indian Creek To Confluence With North Fork Feather River
- Nf Boundary To Confluence With North Fork Feather River
- Caribou Reservoir To Beldon
- Pond In Sec 35, T26n, R9e To Confluence With Spanish Creek
Campgrounds
- Silver Lake (Family )
- Meadow Camp Campground
- Hallsted Campground
- Whitehorse
- Hallsted
- Whitehorse Campground
Fishing spots
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 Silver Lake To Meadow Valley 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.
About Silver Lake To Meadow Valley
What's the optimal flow for Silver Lake To Meadow Valley?
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.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Silver Lake To Meadow Valley.