Winter Storm Watch
2026-01-04T10:00:00-08:00

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Accumulations are uncertain at this time but may range from 2 to 4 feet above 5000 feet. Locally higher amounts are possible at higher elevations. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Dangerous travel conditions with chain controls and road closures possible. Low visibility due to combination of wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow accumulations remain above pass level through Friday afternoon, then drop to 5000 to 6000 feet late Friday night into Saturday. Potential for mountain snow to continue into early next week.

Confluence With Highland Creek To One-Quarter Mile Upstream Forest Road 5no2 Bridge Crossing Paddle Report

Paddle Report

California

Last Updated: 2025-12-30

The Whitewater River run from Confluence with Highland Creek to one-quarter mile upstream Forest Road 5No2 Bridge Crossing in California is a popular destination for skilled kayakers and rafters.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 200 cfs to 1000 cfs, although it is possible to run it at lower or higher flows. This section is rated as Class III-IV, making it an intermediate to advanced level run. The segment covers approximately 5 miles of the river, with several challenging rapids and obstacles such as Snaggletooth, Three-Forks and Widowmaker.

Specific regulations for the area include obtaining a permit from the Bureau of Land Management and following Leave No Trace principles. Camping is allowed in designated areas only and fire permits are required. It is also important to note that the Whitewater River is designated as a Wild and Scenic River, making it subject to additional protections and restrictions.

River Run Details

Last Updated	2025-12-30
River Levels	1700 cfs (9.16 ft)
Percent of Normal	9%
Status
Class Level	iii-iv
Elevation	ft
Streamflow Discharge	cfs
Gauge Height	ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 11277300

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Winter Storm Watch
Until 2026-01-01T16:00:00-08:00 • National Weather Service
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Accumulations are uncertain at this time but may range from 2 to 4 feet above 5000 feet. Locally higher amounts are possible at higher elevations. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Dangerous travel conditions with chain controls and road closures possible. Low visibility due to combination of wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow accumulations remain above pass level through Friday afternoon, then drop to 5000 to 6000 feet late Friday night into Saturday. Potential for mountain snow to continue into early next week.