Flood Watch
2025-12-26T16:00:00-08:00

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of northern California, including the following areas, the Sacramento Valley, northern San Joaquin Valley, Delta region, Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills, and Coastal Range. * WHEN...Through Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff will result in rises along area rivers, creeks, streams. Small streams and creeks may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in low-lying, poor drainage, and urban areas. Mudslides and rockslides may occur in mountain and foothill areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Periods of moderate to heavy rain are forecast the week of Christmas. Debris flows are not expected over recent burn scars in northern California, but do anticipate enhanced runoff in/below scars. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Chili Bar Paddle Report

Paddle Report

California

Last Updated: 2023-06-13

The Chili Bar River Run in California is a thrilling experience for any experienced rafter.

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Summary

With Class III and IV rapids, this section of the South Fork American River is not for beginners. Obstacles like Meatgrinder and Troublemaker make for an exciting ride, while less experienced rafters can still enjoy the scenery from the calmer stretches of water. The best time to float this section is in the spring or early summer, when the snowmelt provides the necessary flow. The recommended flow rate is between 800-2,500 cfs.

River Run Details

Last Updated	2023-06-13
River Levels	1390 cfs (1.86 ft)
Percent of Normal	200%
Optimal Range	800-4000 cfs
Status	Too High
Class Level	III to IV
Elevation	717 ft
Run Length	8.0 Mi
Gradient	26 FPM
Streamflow Discharge	10700 cfs
Gauge Height	5.1 ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 11427000

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Flood Watch
Until 2025-12-23T16:00:00-08:00 • National Weather Service
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of northern California, including the following areas, the Sacramento Valley, northern San Joaquin Valley, Delta region, Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills, and Coastal Range. * WHEN...Through Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff will result in rises along area rivers, creeks, streams. Small streams and creeks may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in low-lying, poor drainage, and urban areas. Mudslides and rockslides may occur in mountain and foothill areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Periods of moderate to heavy rain are forecast the week of Christmas. Debris flows are not expected over recent burn scars in northern California, but do anticipate enhanced runoff in/below scars. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

CHILI BAR

Paddle Report • Streamflow Levels • Weather Forecast

December 22, 2025

Last Updated	2023-06-13
River Levels	1390 cfs (1.86 ft)
Percent of Normal	200%
Optimal Range	800-4000 cfs
Status	Too High
Class Level	III to IV
Elevation	717 ft
Run Length	8.0 Mi
Gradient	26 FPM
Streamflow Discharge	10700 cfs
Gauge Height	5.1 ft
Reporting Streamgage	Nf American R A North Fork Dam Ca USGS 11427000

Realtime River Levels

Nf American R A North Fork Dam Ca
USGS 11427000

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Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Deer C Nr Cameron Park Ca 7.8cfs	8cfs
Pilot C Bl Mutton Canyon Nr Georgetown Ca 2.4cfs	2cfs
Nf American R A North Fork Dam Ca 10700.0cfs	10700cfs
Pilot C Ab Stumpy Meadows Res Ca 2.7cfs	3cfs
Cosumnes R A Michigan Bar Ca 163.0cfs	163cfs
American R A Fair Oaks Ca 12500.0cfs	12500cfs