Paddle Report

Headwaters To Confluence With Medano Creek river run

Colorado, USA Castle Creek 4.0 mi long Class III-V
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
36%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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 Headwaters To  Confluence With Medano Creek -- Colorado paddle run
Headwaters To Confluence With Medano Creek Colorado · Castle Creek
About this run

Headwaters To Confluence With Medano Creek

The Whitewater River Run in Colorado is a thrilling adventure for whitewater enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 500-1000 cfs. The river has been rated as Class III to IV, with some sections being Class V during high flow periods. The total distance of the run is approximately 6 miles, starting from the headwaters and ending at the confluence with Medano Creek.

The Whitewater River Run has several exciting rapids and obstacles that make it a challenging and memorable experience. The first rapid encountered is known as "Corkscrew," which is a technical Class III drop. The "Gash" and "Boxcar" are other notable rapids on this run, both of which are Class IV and require precise navigation. The river also features several pools and eddies, which are perfect for swimming or taking a break.

There are specific regulations in place for the Whitewater River Run to ensure the safety of all participants. It is mandatory to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times during the run. Additionally, all participants are required to have prior whitewater experience and be in good physical shape. There are also regulations in place regarding camping and fires in the area, which should be followed to preserve the natural beauty of the surroundings.

In conclusion, the Whitewater River Run in Colorado is an exciting and challenging adventure for experienced whitewater enthusiasts. With its ideal streamflow range, Class III to IV rating, and specific rapids and obstacles, this river run is sure to be a thrilling experience. However, it is important to follow the specific regulations in place to ensure the safety of all participants and preserve the natural beauty of the area.
StateColorado
RiverCastle Creek
Run length4.0 mi
ClassIII-V
Elevation8,202 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal36%
StreamgageUSGS 07111000
Latitude37.7885°
Longitude-105.4584°
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 Confluence With Medano Creek -- 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 Confluence With Medano Creek 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 Confluence With Medano Creek

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Confluence With Medano Creek?

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 Headwaters To Confluence With Medano Creek.