* WHAT...Heavy snow likely above 5000 feet. Total snow accumulations of up to 12 to 18 inches, with up to 2 feet at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 2 inches possible down to 4500 feet. Southwest winds could gust as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Sierra (El Dorado-Amador) Above 5000 ft, Lassen Volcanic NP, Sierra (Cal-Tuo) Above 5000 ft, Sierra (Sierra-Placer) Above 5000 ft, and Sierra (Tehama-Plumas) Above 3000 ft Counties. * WHEN...From 2 AM Tuesday to 5 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday and Wednesday commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels initially 6000 to 7000 feet tonight, lowering to 5500 to 6500 feet Tuesday, and down to 4500 to 5500 feet Wednesday. Heaviest snowfall expected Tuesday afternoon and evening with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
The ideal streamflow range for this section is between 200 and 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) and is rated as a Class III-IV run. The segment covers a distance of approximately 7.5 miles, starting at the headwaters and ending at the wilderness boundary.
There are several notable rapids and obstacles on this section of the river, including the Big Pine, Double Drop, and Triple Threat rapids, all of which require technical maneuvering skills. The most challenging rapid on this section is the S-turn, which requires precise navigation through a narrow channel with sharp turns.
The area is subject to specific regulations, including a strict permit system managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM limits the number of visitors to this section of the river to protect the area's ecosystem and ensure a high-quality recreational experience. Additionally, visitors are required to pack out all trash and are prohibited from camping within 200 feet of the river.
Overall, the Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary section of the Whitewater River offers a thrilling experience for advanced paddlers, with challenging rapids and stunning scenery. However, visitors should be aware of the regulations and restrictions in place to protect the river and surrounding wilderness.
| Last Updated | 2026-04-19 |
| River Levels | 2260 cfs (5.44 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 129% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 10296000 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Sand Flat Campground
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Sand Flat
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Sand Flat Campground (4wd only)
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Clark Fork Campground
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Clark Fork
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Eureka Valley Campground
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Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary
Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus
Headwaters To Confluence With East Carsonriver
Headwater Deadman Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus River
Relief Reservoir Outlet To Confluence With Clark Fork
Confluence With Clark Fork To Donnell Reservoir