Paddle Report

Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e river run

Colorado, USA West Fork Rio Chama Class III-IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
55%
Loading current conditions…
Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
Streamflow history loading…
Loading next 24 hours…
Loading 7-day outlook…
Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e -- Colorado paddle run
Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e Colorado · West Fork Rio Chama
About this run

Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e

The Whitewater River run is a popular stretch of river in Colorado that offers a thrilling and challenging experience for kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 500-1000 cfs, with peak flow occurring in late May to early June. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 11 miles long, starting in Section 1, T33N, R3E and ending at the confluence with the East Fork in Section 17, T33N, R4E.

This run is classified as Class III-IV, with several challenging rapids and obstacles, including Pinball, Zoom Flume, and Sledgehammer. Pinball is a technical rapid that requires precise maneuvering through a series of rocks and boulders. Zoom Flume is a fast and steep drop that requires paddlers to navigate a narrow channel. Sledgehammer is a large hole that can flip rafts and cause kayakers to get stuck.

There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a required boater safety course and a permit system for commercial outfitters. Additionally, all participants must wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets and life jackets, and follow Leave No Trace principles while on the river.

StateColorado
RiverWest Fork Rio Chama
ClassIII-IV
Elevation7,952 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal55%
StreamgageUSGS 09344000
Latitude37.0919°
Longitude-106.5511°
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.

Loading hourly forecast…
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
Loading detailed forecast…
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.

Loading 15-day outlook…
Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e -- 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 Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e 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 Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e

What's the optimal flow for Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e?

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.