Paddle Report

Headwaters To San Gorgonio Wilderness river run

California, USA Fish Creek 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
200cfs
Optimal high
600cfs
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Headwaters To San Gorgonio Wilderness -- California paddle run
Headwaters To San Gorgonio Wilderness California · Fish Creek
About this run

Headwaters To San Gorgonio Wilderness

The Whitewater River run from Headwaters to San Gorgonio Wilderness in California is a thrilling adventure for kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 200-600 cfs, which is dependent on the snowmelt and rainfall in the area. The rating for this section of the river is Class III-IV, making it suitable for intermediate and advanced paddlers. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 12 miles, starting from the headwaters and ending at the Whitewater Preserve.

The river run is characterized by a series of rapids, including the Class IV+ "Pinball" and the Class III "Frog Rock." The "Pinball" rapid is a challenging obstacle that requires careful maneuvering to avoid the numerous boulders and drops along the way. The "Frog Rock" rapid, on the other hand, is a technical rapid that requires precise navigation and good communication between paddlers. Along the way, paddlers will also encounter several smaller rapids and waves that provide an adrenaline-filled experience.

It is important to note that the Whitewater River run is subject to specific regulations and restrictions. The use of motorized boats and jet skis is prohibited, and all paddlers must wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets and life jackets. Additionally, paddlers are required to obtain a permit before embarking on the river run, which is available through the San Bernardino National Forest. Overall, the Whitewater River run is an exciting adventure for experienced paddlers who are looking for a challenging and scenic river run in California.
StateCalifornia
RiverFish Creek
ClassIII-IV
Elevation7,149 ft
Optimal range200 — 600 cfs
Current flow--
StreamgageUSGS 10255900
Latitude34.1077°
Longitude-116.7713°
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 Headwaters To San Gorgonio Wilderness -- 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 Headwaters To San Gorgonio Wilderness 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 Headwaters To San Gorgonio Wilderness

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To San Gorgonio Wilderness?

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.