2026-02-19T22:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow with additional snow accumulations up to 1 foot between 1000 and 3000 feet, 2 to 3 feet above 3000 feet, and up to 4 feet at peaks. Light snowfall accumulations up to an inch below 1000 feet in Shasta County. Winds gusting as high 45 to 55 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills, Western Plumas County/Lassen Park, Shasta County, including the city of Redding, and the Coastal Range. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Dangerous to near impossible travel conditions with chain controls and road closures. Low visibility due to a combination of gusty wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels remain around 1500 to 2500 feet through Thursday. Potential to see snow levels as low as 1000 feet along the Sierra and below 1000 feet along the southern Cascades and Shasta County in the morning hours. A brief lull in activity is expected during the day on Wednesday.
Summary
The South Fork Cottonwood Creek is a popular whitewater river run in California. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 200-400 cfs, which typically occurs during the spring and early summer months. The river is rated as a Class III-IV, with a segment mileage of approximately 8 miles.
The river rapids and obstacles include tight turns, boulder gardens, and several larger drops, including the Class IV "Cottonwood Falls." Paddlers should be experienced and have appropriate gear, including helmets and personal flotation devices.
Specific regulations to the area include a permit requirement for commercial outfitters, as well as a requirement for private boaters to register and obtain a permit for overnight stays. The area is also subject to fire restrictions during the dry season.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 44 cfs (1.53 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 89% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 11379500 |
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Elder C Nr Paskenta Ca
|
353cfs |
Mad R Ab Ruth Res Nr Forest Glen Ca
|
213cfs |
Clear C Nr Igo Ca
|
364cfs |
Sacramento R Ab Bend Bridge Nr Red Bluff Ca
|
14100cfs |
Cottonwood C Nr Cottonwood Ca
|
3000cfs |
Mf Eel R Nr Dos Rios Ca
|
1830cfs |
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Thunder Camp
|
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Tomhead Saddle
|
||
Tomhead Saddle Campground
|
||
Hawk Camp
|
||
Burnt Camp
|
||
Cedar Basin Camp
|
South Fork Cottonwood Creek
Headwaters (At Wilderness Boundary) To West Section Line Of Sec 28, T28S,R11W