* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be 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 will likely bring widespread moderate to heavy rain to the region late Tuesday through Wednesday. Showers could begin to develop as early as Tuesday evening, especially in the mountains. Heaviest and 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
The ideal streamflow range for this section is between 200-600 cubic feet per second (cfs), with higher flows creating significantly more challenging rapids. This section of the Whitewater River is rated as Class III, with a distance of approximately 10 miles.
One of the most notable rapids in this section is "Ledge Drop," which is a steep drop with a large boulder in the middle of the channel. Other notable rapids include "Little San Bernardino" and "Pinball." There are also several smaller rapids and obstacles throughout the run.
It is important for visitors to note that the Palm Canyon section of the Whitewater River is located within the San Bernardino National Forest and is subject to specific regulations. Visitors must obtain a permit from the forest service before accessing the river, and all visitors must follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment. Additionally, visitors should be aware of potential hazards from flash floods and sudden rises in water levels.
Overall, the Palm Canyon section of the Whitewater River offers an exhilarating whitewater experience for intermediate paddlers and is a must-visit destination for those looking for a challenging and scenic river run in California.
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 0 cfs (1.42 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 0% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 10258500 |