2025-12-26T10:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Accumulation amounts uncertain at this time but may range from around a foot at 5500 feet and up 4 feet at highest elevations. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park including Interstate 80 and Highway 50. * WHEN...From Tuesday evening through Friday morning. * IMPACTS...Dangerous travel conditions with chain controls and road closures possible. Low visibility due to combination of wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow accumulations will remain near or above pass level through Tuesday, then drop to around 5500 feet during the day Wednesday.
Summary
The river features Class III-IV rapids, including the notorious Toilet Bowl, which requires precise maneuvering skills. The best time to float this section is during the spring runoff season, from May to June, with recommended flows of 800-1,200 cfs. Other obstacles to watch out for include S-Bends and the infamous Jaws, a series of class IV-V drops that require expert kayaking skills. This river run is not recommended for beginners or inexperienced paddlers.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2023-06-13 |
| River Levels | 817 cfs (7.05 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 173% |
| Optimal Range | 750-2000 cfs |
| Status | Too Low |
| Class Level | V to V+ |
| Elevation | 5,493 ft |
| Run Length | 25.0 Mi |
| Streamflow Discharge | 400 cfs |
| Gauge Height | 6.3 ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 10344505 |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Palisade Creek Trailhead
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Talbot Campground
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Handy Camp
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Muninnvagl
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Wild Camping
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Whisky Creek Camp
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Royal Gorge (Soda Springs to Tadpole Creek)
Generation and Giant Gaps (Tadpole to Colfax-Iowa Hill Road)
Tahoe City to River Ranch
West End Beach Park
Wilderness Snow Mountain
Bill Rose Park
Bill Rose Memorial Park
Truckee Regional Park