Paddle Report

Headwater In Sec 29, T9n,R16e To Confluence With Cat Creek river run

California, USA Middle Fork Cosumnes River Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Optimal low
300cfs
Optimal high
1,000cfs
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Headwater In Sec 29, T9n,R16e To Confluence With Cat Creek -- California paddle run
Headwater In Sec 29, T9n,R16e To Confluence With Cat Creek California · Middle Fork Cosumnes River
About this run

Headwater In Sec 29, T9n,R16e To Confluence With Cat Creek

The Whitewater River Run in California is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a thrilling adventure. The ideal streamflow range for this river run is between 300 and 1,000 cfs, depending on the skill level of the paddler. The river is rated as Class III-IV, which means it is best suited for intermediate to advanced kayakers and rafters.

The segment mileage of this river run is approximately 11 miles, starting at Headwater in Sec 29, T9N, R16E and ending at the confluence with Cat Creek. Along the way, paddlers will encounter a variety of rapids and obstacles, including the "Screaming Left," "The Maze," and "The Tunnel."

In terms of regulations, the Whitewater River Run is located within the San Bernardino National Forest, and all visitors must obtain a permit before entering the area. Additionally, all paddlers must wear a personal flotation device and carry a whistle.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run offers a challenging and exciting adventure for experienced paddlers. It is important to consult multiple sources for up-to-date information on streamflow, rapids, and regulations before embarking on this adventure.
StateCalifornia
RiverMiddle Fork Cosumnes River
ClassIII-IV
Elevation6,498 ft
Optimal range300 — 1,000 cfs
Current flow--
StreamgageUSGS 10336580
Latitude38.6075°
Longitude-120.2327°
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 Headwater In Sec 29, T9n,R16e To Confluence With Cat Creek -- 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 Headwater In Sec 29, T9n,R16e To Confluence With Cat Creek 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 Headwater In Sec 29, T9n,R16e To Confluence With Cat Creek

What's the optimal flow for Headwater In Sec 29, T9n,R16e To Confluence With Cat Creek?

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.