Paddle Report

Headwaters To Forest Road 94 river run

California/Snoflo:/Feature, USA South Branch Middle Fork Feather River Class IV+
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
44%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Headwaters To Forest Road 94 -- California/Snoflo:/Feature paddle run
Headwaters To Forest Road 94 California/Snoflo:/Feature · South Branch Middle Fork Feather River
About this run

Headwaters To Forest Road 94

The Whitewater River run from Headwaters to Forest Road 94 in California is a challenging but exhilarating adventure for experienced whitewater rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 600 and 2000 cfs. The segment mileage for this section is approximately 26 miles, with a Class IV+ rating, making it suitable for experienced rafters only.

The river rapids and obstacles on this run include the infamous "Meatgrinder" rapids, which are known for their technical and challenging nature. Other notable rapids include "Zigzag," "Triple Threat," and "Devil's Drop." These rapids require precise navigation and teamwork to successfully navigate.

There are specific regulations to the area, including a permit system for commercial outfitters and a requirement for personal flotation devices (PFDs) for all participants. The area is also subject to seasonal closures due to high water levels or fire danger. It is crucial to check for current regulations and conditions before embarking on this adventure.

Overall, the Whitewater River run from Headwaters to Forest Road 94 is an adrenaline-filled experience that requires skill, teamwork, and careful planning. With the right conditions and preparation, it can be an unforgettable journey for experienced rafters.
StateCalifornia/Snoflo:/Feature
RiverSouth Branch Middle Fork Feather River
ClassIV+
Elevation2,482 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal44%
StreamgageUSGS 11413000
Latitude39.7170°
Longitude-121.1888°
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 Headwaters To Forest Road 94 -- 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 Headwaters To Forest Road 94 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 Headwaters To Forest Road 94

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Forest Road 94?

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