Dipping Lakes--Sec 5, T33n, R4e To Confluence With West Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e river run
Dipping Lakes--Sec 5, T33n, R4e To Confluence With West Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e
The segment mileage for this run is approximately 6 miles and includes several notable rapids and obstacles such as The Notch, Screaming Left Turn, and the Staircase. The Notch is a particularly challenging rapid that requires skilled maneuvering. The Screaming Left Turn and Staircase are also challenging rapids that require careful navigation.
Specific regulations to the area include a permit system for commercial outfitters, and a requirement that all boaters wear a personal flotation device. Additionally, boaters are required to pack out all trash. The Dipping Lakes--Sec 5, T33N, R4E To Confluence With West Fork--Sec 17, T33N, R4E section of the Whitewater River Run is a thrilling and challenging adventure that requires skill and experience. It is important to check the streamflow before attempting this run and to comply with all regulations in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
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.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
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.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Dipping Lakes--Sec 5, T33n, R4e To Confluence With West Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Navajo R At Banded Peak Ranch | 163 cfs | → |
| Navajo River Bl Oso Diversion Dam Nr Chromo | 85 cfs | → |
| Rio Blanco Bl Blanco Div Dam | 38 cfs | → |
| Conejos River Below Platoro Reservoir | 316 cfs | → |
| Conejos River Near Mogote | 657 cfs | → |
| Alamosa River Above Wightman Fork Near Jasper | -999 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Other river runs
- Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e
- Lower Branch--Sec 28, T33n, R3e; Upper Branch--Sec 15, T33n, R3e To Sec 7, T32n, R4e
- Sec 17, T35n, R4e To Sec 36, T35n, R4e
- Lake Fork--Confluence With South Fork To 1 Mile Below Town Of Platoro
- South Fork--Sec 19, T35n, R4e To Sec 36, T35n, R4 1/2e
Campgrounds
- Trujillo Meadows
- Trujillo Meadows Campground
- Conejos
- Spectacle Lake
- Spectacle Lake Campground
- Elk Creek Overflow Campground
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 Dipping Lakes--Sec 5, T33n, R4e To Confluence With West 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.
About Dipping Lakes--Sec 5, T33n, R4e To Confluence With West Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e
What's the optimal flow for Dipping Lakes--Sec 5, T33n, R4e To Confluence With West 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.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Dipping Lakes--Sec 5, T33n, R4e To Confluence With West Fork--Sec 17, T33n, R4e.