2025-12-24T22:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of Southwest California, including the following areas, Apple and Lucerne Valleys, Coachella Valley, Orange County Coastal Areas, Orange County Inland Areas, Riverside County Mountains, San Bernardino County Mountains, San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire, San Gorgonio Pass near Banning and Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills. * WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Mud and debris flow are possible near and in burn scars, including the Airport, Bridge and Line burn scars. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - An Atmospheric River is expected to bring widespread moderate to heavy rain to the area late Tuesday through Wednesday. Showers could begin to develop as early as Tuesday evening, especially in the mountains. Heaviest most widespread rain is expected Wednesday morning continuing through the afternoon in the Coachella Valley and in the mountains. Peak rainfall rates of 0.50 to 1 inch per hour are expected. There is a potential for locally heavier hourly rainfall rates to develop with convection embedded in the main rain band or in thunderstorms after the main band passes. Scattered locally heavy showers could continue into Thursday but impacts from any additional rain are expected to be more localized. -Snow levels are expected to remain above 8000 ft during period of heaviest precipitation bringing a heightened risk of mud slides, debris flow, and areas of flash flooding in the San Bernardino county mountains. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 400 and 1500 cfs. This range ensures that the rapids are challenging enough for experienced kayakers, but also safe enough for intermediate-level paddlers. The segment mileage of this run is approximately 6 miles.
The Devil Canyon Tributary to San Mateo Creek is rated as a class IV-V run, which means that it is suitable for experienced and expert paddlers only. The rapids on this run include tight drops and steep chutes, making it a challenging run even for experienced paddlers. Some of the specific rapids and obstacles to watch out for include the "Killer Bee," "Kamikaze," and "Toad's Tongue."
There are specific regulations that apply to this area. The use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) is mandatory, and all paddlers must have the necessary safety equipment, such as a helmet and a throw rope. Additionally, paddlers are required to obtain a permit from the Cleveland National Forest in order to access the river.
In conclusion, the Devil Canyon Tributary to San Mateo Creek is a challenging and exciting whitewater river run in California. The ideal streamflow range is between 400 and 1500 cfs, and the run is rated as a class IV-V. Paddlers must be experienced and equipped with the necessary safety equipment, and a permit is required to access the river.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 4 cfs (5.6 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 0% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iv-v |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 11044800 |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Fisherman's Camp
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Lake ONeill Military
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Wildomar Campground
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Wildomar
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Upper San Juan
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Upper San Juan Campground
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Devil Canyon Tributary To San Mateo Creek
Santa Margarita River
San Mateo Wilderness Boundary To Nf Boundary With Camp Pendleton
Dan Dussault Park
Village Square Park
Wilderness San Mateo Canyon
Cleveland National Forest
Bear Valley Park 2