2025-12-26T10:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Strong winds and heavy snow expected. Strong winds will impact the area overnight into Wednesday morning with south winds 30 to 40 mph and gusts of 50 to 60 mph, except winds gusting as high as 80 mph over high and exposed terrain. South winds ease late Wednesday morning, then increase again Wednesday night into Thursday, at 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph. Meanwhile, snow levels will remain high through overnight (around 6000-7000 ft), lowering to 4500 ft Wednesday morning. Heavy snow expected above 4500 ft with snow accumulations of 8 to 14 inches, and 1 to 3 feet above 5500 ft. * WHERE...Above 4500 ft in Siskiyou County. This includes Etna Summit on Sawyers Bar Road, Scott Mountain Pass on Highway 3, and portions of Highway 97 south of MacDoel that includes Grass Lake at Mt Hebron. * WHEN...Until 10 AM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel may be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds are expected overnight into Wednesday morning, then again late Wednesday night through Thursday. The heaviest snow is expected late Wednesday night through Thursday evening.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this section is between 300 and 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). At lower flows, the river can be technical and rocky, while higher flows can create big waves and powerful currents.
The class rating for this section ranges from Class III to IV, with some challenging Class IV rapids and obstacles. The segment mileage is approximately 7.5 miles, starting at the wilderness boundary and ending at Forest Road 40N54.
One of the most notable rapids in this section is called "Deadman's Drop," which is a Class IV rapid with a steep drop and large waves. Other challenging rapids include "Sidewinders" and "Tunnel Chute."
There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a permit requirement for overnight stays in the wilderness and a limit of 15 people per group. Additionally, visitors are required to pack out all trash and leave no trace.
Overall, the Wilderness Boundary to Forest Road 40N54 section of the Whitewater River offers a thrilling whitewater experience for experienced paddlers with a range of challenging rapids and beautiful scenery. It is important to check current flow conditions and obtain necessary permits before embarking on this adventure.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 859 cfs (7.1 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 95% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 11519500 |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Trinity R Ab Coffee C Nr Trinity Ctr Ca
|
1140cfs |
Scott R Nr Fort Jones Ca
|
4130cfs |
Salmon R A Somes Bar Ca
|
8170cfs |
Klamath R A Orleans
|
25500cfs |
Shasta R Nr Montague Ca
|
380cfs |
Nf Trinity R A Helena Ca
|
47cfs |
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Idlewild Campground
|
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Mule Bridge - horse
|
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Mulebridge Campground
|
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Trail Creek Campground
|
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Shadow Creek
|
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Hidden Horse Campground
|
River Runs
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Wilderness Boundary To Forest Road 40N54
-
Headwaters In Russian Wilderness To Wilderness Boundary
-
Scott District Boundary To Confluence With Sixmile Creek
-
Headwaters In Marble Mountains Wilderness To Pre-1984 Wilderness Boundary
-
Confluence With Sixmile Creek To Confluence With South Fork Salmon River
Golden Russian Lake
Bingham Lake
Fox Creek Lake