2026-02-19T22:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow with additional snow accumulations up to 1 foot between 1000 and 3000 feet, 2 to 3 feet above 3000 feet, and up to 4 feet at peaks. Light snowfall accumulations up to 2 inches below 1000 feet in Shasta and Tehama Counties. Winds gusting as high 45 to 55 mph. * WHERE...Portions of Northern California, now including elevations below 1000 ft in Shasta and Tehama Counties * WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Dangerous to near impossible travel conditions with chain controls and road closures. Additional power outages from downed trees and power lines. Low visibility due to a combination of gusty wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels remain around 1500 to 2500 feet through Thursday in the Sierra Foothills with potential to see snow levels as low as 1000 feet. Snow levels potentially down to 300 feet along the southern Cascades, Shasta County, and Tehama County in the morning hours.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 500-1,200 cubic feet per second (cfs), depending on the experience level of the paddlers and their desired intensity of the run.
This segment of the Whitewater River is rated as a class III-IV, depending on the water levels and specific rapids encountered. The segment covers approximately 7.5 miles of river, with numerous rapids and obstacles such as "The Toilet Bowl," "The Maze," and "The Chutes."
Regulations in the area require all paddlers to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets, and to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on the environment. Additionally, permits are required for commercial outfitters operating in the area.
Overall, the Headwaters segment of the Whitewater River offers a challenging and exciting experience for intermediate to advanced paddlers, with varying water levels and rapids to keep things interesting. It is important to check streamflow conditions and regulations before embarking on any whitewater adventure in this area.
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mph
Wind
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Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
River Run Details
| Last Updated | |
| River Levels | 4 cfs (5.07 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | +100% |
| Optimal Range | 500-1200 cfs |
| Status | Too Low |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 10336580 |
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Silver Fork Campground
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Silver Fork
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Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground
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Ridge Camp
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Sugar Pine Point Campground
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Sugar Pine Point
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River Runs
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Headwatersa In Sec 18, T9N, R16E To Confluence With Van Horn Creek
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Headwater In Sec 29, T9N,R16E To Confluence With Cat Creek
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Confluence With Cat Creek To One Mile East Of Pipi Campground
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Boundary Of Mokelumne Archeologic Special Interest Area To Confluence With North Fork Mokelumne River
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Salt Springs Reservoir Dam To To A Point 1 Mile West Of Bear River Confluence
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Headwaters In Sec 15,T10N, R17E To Confluence With Silver Fork Of American River
Lower Bear River Reservoir
Silver Lake (Kirkwood)
Salt Springs Reservoir
Caples Lake