Paddle Report

Shasta River river run

California, USA Shasta River Class II-III
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
103%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
Streamflow history loading…
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Shasta River -- California paddle run
Shasta River California · Shasta River
About this run

Shasta River

The Whitewater River Run Shasta River is an ideal location for kayaking and rafting enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range in this river runs between 800 cfs to 2,000 cfs, making it a Class II-III river. The segment mileage of this river runs for about 17 miles, starting from the Dwinnell Dam to the mouth of the river.

The Shasta River offers a variety of rapids and obstacles that challenge paddlers, including the China Rapid, the Upper and Lower Falls, and the Upper Grassy Knoll. The China Rapid is a Class III rapid that requires precise maneuvering and navigating around rocks and boulders. The Upper and Lower Falls are Class II rapids that offer an exciting drop and splash experience for paddlers. The Upper Grassy Knoll offers a Class II technical challenge that requires paddlers to navigate through tight channels and swirling currents.

There are specific regulations that paddlers must follow when navigating the Whitewater River Run Shasta River. All paddlers must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times, and it is recommended that paddlers wear a helmet as well. Paddlers must also respect private property along the riverbanks and avoid littering.

In conclusion, the Whitewater River Run Shasta River is an exciting river that offers a range of challenges for paddlers. The ideal streamflow range, class rating, segment mileage, specific river rapids/obstacles, and specific regulations make it a must-visit location for kayaking and rafting enthusiasts.
StateCalifornia
RiverShasta River
ClassII-III
Elevation2,065 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal103%
StreamgageUSGS 11517500
Latitude41.7814°
Longitude-122.5967°
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.

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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
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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.

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Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Shasta River -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.

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 Shasta River 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 Shasta River

What's the optimal flow for Shasta River?

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.

Premium feature

Favorites and custom alerts are part of Snoflo Premium. Save runs, set discharge thresholds, and get push notifications when flows hit your window.

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Manage alerts in the Snoflo app

Custom push alerts are configured in the iOS app -- favorite this run, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me at 600 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.

Open App Store