Paddle Report

From The Reserve Boundary Just Downstream Of The Elk River Trailhead In Sec. 35 T4n, R1w, Humboldt Meridian (H.M.) To To The Old Town Site At Falk In Sec. 36, T4n, R1w, H.M. river run

California, USA South Fork Elk River Segment 1 4.0 mi long Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
36%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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From The Reserve Boundary Just Downstream Of The Elk River Trailhead In Sec. 35 T4n, R1w, Humboldt Meridian (H.M.) To To The Old Town Site At Falk In Sec. 36, T4n, R1w, H.M. -- California paddle run
From The Reserve Boundary Just Downstream Of The Elk River Trailhead In Sec. 35 T4n, R1w, Humboldt Meridian (H.M.) To To The Old Town Site At Falk In Sec. 36, T4n, R1w, H.M. California · South Fork Elk River Segment 1
About this run

From The Reserve Boundary Just Downstream Of The Elk River Trailhead In Sec. 35 T4n, R1w, Humboldt Meridian (H.M.) To To The Old Town Site At Falk In Sec. 36, T4n, R1w, H.M.

The Whitewater River Run in California is a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 800 and 2000 cfs, making it a great run for intermediate and advanced paddlers. The segment covers a distance of around 5 miles and is rated as a class III to IV, with some rapids and obstacles that require technical skills to navigate safely.

Some of the notable rapids and obstacles include the Elk River Rapids, which consist of two back-to-back class III rapids, and the Widowmaker, a class IV drop that requires precise navigation. Other rapids such as the Ledge Drop and the Rock Garden also provide exciting challenges for paddlers.

There are some specific regulations to follow in this area, including a permit requirement for commercial outfitters and a ban on alcohol and glass containers. Additionally, visitors are advised to be aware of the potential presence of poison oak and to take precautions to avoid contact.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run offers a challenging and exciting experience for experienced whitewater paddlers. Visitors should be prepared with appropriate gear, training, and knowledge of the regulations and hazards associated with this segment.
StateCalifornia
RiverSouth Fork Elk River Segment 1
Run length4.0 mi
ClassIII-IV
Elevation51 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal36%
StreamgageUSGS 11477000
Latitude40.6843°
Longitude-124.1252°
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 From The Reserve Boundary Just Downstream Of The Elk River Trailhead In Sec. 35 T4n, R1w, Humboldt Meridian (H.M.) To To The Old Town Site At Falk In Sec. 36, T4n, R1w, H.M. -- 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 From The Reserve Boundary Just Downstream Of The Elk River Trailhead In Sec. 35 T4n, R1w, Humboldt Meridian (H.M.) To To The Old Town Site At Falk In Sec. 36, T4n, R1w, H.M. 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 From The Reserve Boundary Just Downstream Of The Elk River Trailhead In Sec. 35 T4n, R1w, Humboldt Meridian (H.M.) To To The Old Town Site At Falk In Sec. 36, T4n, R1w, H.M.

What's the optimal flow for From The Reserve Boundary Just Downstream Of The Elk River Trailhead In Sec. 35 T4n, R1w, Humboldt Meridian (H.M.) To To The Old Town Site At Falk In Sec. 36, T4n, R1w, H.M.?

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.

More river runs

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