Chili Bar
Class III-IV- run on the S. Fork American River. This is a very fun intermediate run that sees a lot of use. Chili Bar and the Gorge farther downstream could be the most popular river run in America thanks to a healthy commercial outfitter community and highly populated areas close by (Sacramento). Despite being in California this area still has a nice, remote, rural feel to it. The water runs all year long thanks to dam controlled releases but you want to catch the release bubbles for the best run. The water is typically clear and not too cold (especially in the hot summer time heat of CA). Join the other thousands and thousands that have boated this area and give it a try. For kayakers this is a good run to get some surfing in and for rafters this is just a good run without a lot of consequences.
Suggested river levels for paddling this section of the American River, South Fork are between a bare minimum of 800cfs and a high of 4,000cfs.
River conditions sourced from USGS 11427000, the Nf American R A North Fork Dam Ca
Remember only watercraft are permitted
at Chili Bar.
Run Stats
| Status | Too Low |
| Class Level | III to IV |
| Elevation | 717 ft |
| Run Length | 8.0 Mi |
| Gradient | 26 FPM |
| Streamflow Discharge | 199 cfs |
| Gage Height | 0.7 ft |
| Air Temperature | 69° |
| River | American River, South Fork |
| Reporting Streamgage |
Nf American R A North Fork Dam Ca
USGS 11427000 |
|
Chili Bar Hole
Class III- to III |
|
Meatgrinder (Quarter Mile) Rapid
Class III to III+ |
|
Racehorse Bend (Sluice Box) Rapid
Class III- to III+ |
|
Maya (Traffic Light) Rapid
Class II+ to III |
|
Rock Garden Rapid
Class II to II+ |
|
African Queen Rapid
Class III to IV |
|
First Threat Rapid
Class III to III+ |
|
Second Threat Rapid
Class II to II+ |
|
Third Threat Rapid
Class II to III |
|
Unnamed Rapid
Class II to II+ |
|
Mini Gorge Rapid
Class II to II+ |
|
Troublemaker (S-Turn) Rapid
Class III to IV |
|
Old Scary Rapid
Class II |
| Gauge | Streamflow | Stage |
|---|---|---|
|
Deer C Nr Cameron Park Ca
USGS 11335655 |
8 cfs | 3.6 ft |
|
Unnamed Trib Ab Gavin Mandry Dr Nr Marysville Ca
USGS 11424548 |
0 cfs | 0.7 ft |
|
Donner C A Donner Lk Nr Truckee Ca
USGS 10338500 |
16 cfs | 3.2 ft |
|
Donner C At Hwy 89 Nr Truckee Ca
USGS 10338700 |
27 cfs | 2.9 ft |
|
N Yuba R Bl Goodyears Bar Ca
USGS 11413000 |
179 cfs | 2.1 ft |
|
Little Truckee R Bl Div Dam Nr Sierraville Ca
USGS 10341950 |
3 cfs | 1.0 ft |
|
Truckee R Nr Truckee Ca
USGS 10338000 |
70 cfs | 1.6 ft |
|
Cosumnes R A Michigan Bar Ca
USGS 11335000 |
55 cfs | 2.8 ft |
|
Deer C Nr Smartville Ca
USGS 11418500 |
8 cfs | 1.4 ft |
|
Sagehen C Nr Truckee Ca
USGS 10343500 |
3 cfs | 1.6 ft |
| Snotel Site | Snowpack | 24hr Change |
|---|---|---|
|
Squaw Valley G.C.
SNOTEL 784 |
4" | 1" |
|
Independence Camp
SNOTEL 539 |
1" | 1" |
|
Ward Creek #3
SNOTEL 848 |
1" | 1" |
|
Independence Lake
SNOTEL 541 |
16" | 0" |
|
black springs
SNOTEL BLSC1 |
0.74" | -0.01" |
|
alpine meadows-base
SNOTEL AMBC1 |
0.07" | -0.61" |
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finnon Lake | 14 | 2,427 ft | |||
| Rucky A Chucky - Auburn State Rec Area | 5 | 723 ft | |||
| Dru Barner | 47 | 3,237 ft |
| Ski Area | Snowpack | Air Temperature | 5 Day Forecast |
|---|
| River Run | Streamflow | Length | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation and Giant Gaps (Tadpole to Colfax-Iowa Hill Road) | 199.0cfs | 26.8 Mi | IV to IV+ |
| Yankee Jim Road to Ponderosa Way (Shirttail) | 199.0cfs | 5.0 Mi | II to III |
| Chili Bar | 199.0cfs | 8.0 Mi | III to IV |
| Tunnel Run (Ralston Powerhouse to Greenwood) | 199.0cfs | 16.5 Mi | IV- to IV |
| Coloma to Greenwood - (C to G) | 199.0cfs | 5.0 Mi | II to III- |
| Greenwood to Mammoth Bar | 199.0cfs | 7.0 Mi | II to II+ |