Paddle Report

Beaver Creek To Cheeseman Reservoir river run

Colorado, USA South Platte River Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
261%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Beaver Creek To Cheeseman Reservoir -- Colorado paddle run
Beaver Creek To Cheeseman Reservoir Colorado · South Platte River
About this run

Beaver Creek To Cheeseman Reservoir

The Beaver Creek to Cheeseman Reservoir section is a popular whitewater river run located in Colorado. The ideal streamflow range for this area is between 200 and 500 cfs. It is rated as a Class III-IV, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The segment distance is approximately 7.5 miles and takes around 4-6 hours to complete.

The rapids and obstacles in this section of the river include several Class III rapids, such as Beaver Falls, Razorback, and Frog Rock. Additionally, there are several rocks and boulders that must be navigated throughout the run.

There are specific regulations that kayakers and rafters must follow when paddling in this area. These include obtaining a permit from the US Forest Service, which can be obtained online or at local ranger stations. Additionally, all paddlers must wear a personal flotation device and helmets. Camping is only permitted in designated areas, and fires are prohibited.

Overall, the Beaver Creek to Cheeseman Reservoir section is a challenging and exciting whitewater river run that requires paddlers to have some experience. The area is well-regulated to ensure the safety of all paddlers and to protect the natural resources in the area.
StateColorado
RiverSouth Platte River
ClassIII-IV
Elevation8,584 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal261%
StreamgageUSGS 06695000
Latitude39.0357°
Longitude-105.3487°
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 Beaver Creek To Cheeseman 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 Beaver Creek To Cheeseman 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 Beaver Creek To Cheeseman Reservoir

What's the optimal flow for Beaver Creek To Cheeseman 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

Other runs near here

Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Beaver Creek To Cheeseman Reservoir.

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.

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