Paddle Report

Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Blue Mesa Reservoir river run

Colorado, USA Gunnison River, Lake Fork 1.0 mi long Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
46%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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 Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary  To  High Water Line Of Blue Mesa Reservoir  -- Colorado paddle run
Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Blue Mesa Reservoir Colorado · Gunnison River, Lake Fork
About this run

Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Blue Mesa Reservoir

The Whitewater River Run in the Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado is a popular destination for kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 800-1500 cfs, making it a Class III-IV rapids rating. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 6 miles, starting from the boundary of the recreation area to the high-water line of the Blue Mesa Reservoir.

This stretch of the river includes several exciting rapids and obstacles, such as the "Squeeze Play," "The Holes," and "The Wall." These rapids offer challenging and thrilling experiences for experienced paddlers, but it is essential to have the right skills and equipment to navigate them safely.

There are specific regulations in place for this area, including the requirement for a permit to access the river. The use of personal flotation devices is mandatory, and all paddlers must have a whistle and a throw rope. Additionally, camping is only allowed in designated areas to protect the sensitive ecosystem of the recreation area.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run in the Curecanti National Recreation Area is an exciting and challenging stretch of river that offers breathtaking scenery and thrilling rapids for experienced paddlers. It is essential to adhere to all regulations and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
StateColorado
RiverGunnison River, Lake Fork
Run length1.0 mi
ClassIII-IV
Elevation7,841 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal46%
StreamgageUSGS 09124500
Latitude38.3915°
Longitude-107.2461°
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 Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Blue Mesa Reservoir -- 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 Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Blue Mesa Reservoir 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 Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Blue Mesa Reservoir

What's the optimal flow for Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Blue Mesa Reservoir ?

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

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