Paddle Report

White Creek Tributary river run

California, USA White Creek Tributary
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Optimal low
200cfs
Optimal high
400cfs
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White Creek Tributary -- California paddle run
White Creek Tributary California · White Creek Tributary
About this run

White Creek Tributary

White Creek Tributary is a 14-mile long river in California's Inyo County, noted for its challenging rapids, beautiful scenery, and unique geology. The river has a class rating of IV-V, indicating that it is suitable only for expert kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for the White Creek Tributary is between 200 and 400 cfs, which provides the best conditions for thrilling rapids and excellent navigation.

Some of the most notable rapids on the White Creek Tributary include Duck Soup, Heart Attack, and Body Bag. These rapids are characterized by steep drops, tight turns, and powerful currents. Other obstacles on the river include boulders, holes, and strainers. The segment mileage for the White Creek Tributary ranges from 6 to 14 miles, depending on the put-in and take-out locations.

The White Creek Tributary is subject to several regulations to protect the natural environment and ensure the safety of visitors. For instance, visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management before accessing the river. They must also follow Leave No Trace principles, which means packing out all trash and minimizing impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Kayakers and rafters are advised to wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets and life jackets, and to travel in groups for added safety.

Overall, the White Creek Tributary is a challenging and rewarding destination for experienced kayakers and rafters. Its rapids and obstacles provide a thrilling adventure, while its scenery and geology offer a unique perspective on the California landscape. Despite the risks and challenges, visitors can enjoy the river safely and responsibly by following the established regulations and guidelines.
StateCalifornia
RiverWhite Creek Tributary
Elevation2,623 ft
Optimal range200 — 400 cfs
Current flow--
StreamgageUSGS 11154700
Latitude36.3230°
Longitude-120.5574°
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 White Creek Tributary -- 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 White Creek Tributary 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 White Creek Tributary

What's the optimal flow for White Creek Tributary?

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.

More river runs

Other runs near here

Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of White Creek Tributary.