Paddle Report

1.5 Miles Downstream From Big Spring To Extends To Smoke Creek Reservoir river run

California, USA Upper Smoke Creek 11.0 mi long Class III
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
62%
Loading current conditions…
Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
Streamflow history loading…
Loading next 24 hours…
Loading 7-day outlook…
1.5 Miles Downstream From Big Spring To Extends To Smoke Creek Reservoir -- California paddle run
1.5 Miles Downstream From Big Spring To Extends To Smoke Creek Reservoir California · Upper Smoke Creek
About this run

1.5 Miles Downstream From Big Spring To Extends To Smoke Creek Reservoir

The Whitewater River run is a 1.5-mile stretch of river located downstream from Big Spring in California. The ideal streamflow range for this section of river is between 200-400 cfs, making it a great destination for intermediate paddlers. The segment mileage is relatively short, but it packs in plenty of excitement with a Class III rating. Rapids and obstacles to watch out for include the "Crunch" rapid, which features a large boulder in the middle of the river, and "Vortex," which can be tricky to navigate due to its strong eddies.

It's important for paddlers to be aware of specific regulations in the area. The Whitewater River run is located within the San Gorgonio Wilderness, and therefore, no motorized vehicles are allowed in the area. Additionally, visitors must obtain a permit to enter the wilderness, which can be obtained from the ranger station in Whitewater. Finally, visitors should also be aware of the Leave No Trace principles and follow them to ensure the preservation of this beautiful natural area.
StateCalifornia
RiverUpper Smoke Creek
Run length11.0 mi
ClassIII
Elevation4,515 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal62%
StreamgageUSGS 11345500
Latitude40.7374°
Longitude-120.1177°
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.

Loading hourly forecast…
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
Loading detailed forecast…
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.

Loading 15-day outlook…
Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around 1.5 Miles Downstream From Big Spring To Extends To Smoke Creek Reservoir -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.

Around the run

Plan a longer trip

The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.

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 1.5 Miles Downstream From Big Spring To Extends To Smoke Creek Reservoir 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 1.5 Miles Downstream From Big Spring To Extends To Smoke Creek Reservoir

What's the optimal flow for 1.5 Miles Downstream From Big Spring To Extends To Smoke Creek Reservoir?

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

Other runs near here

Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of 1.5 Miles Downstream From Big Spring To Extends To Smoke Creek Reservoir.