Paddle Report

South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker Creek river run

Colorado, USA Lower Rock Creek Class III-IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
16%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
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South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker Creek -- Colorado paddle run
South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker Creek Colorado · Lower Rock Creek
About this run

South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker Creek

The South Section Line run of the Whitewater River in Colorado is a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this section is between 500-1000 cfs, with the peak season typically being in early summer. It is rated as a Class III-IV run, with an approximate segment mileage of 6 miles.

Some notable rapids and obstacles on this section include Pinball, Upper and Lower Falls, and Sledgehammer. Pinball is a technical rapid with several rocks and tight turns, while Upper and Lower Falls are steep drops that require precise navigation. Sledgehammer is a powerful hydraulic that can swamp rafts and kayaks if not approached with caution.

There are specific regulations that apply to this section of the river, including a permit requirement for commercial guiding operations and a prohibition on camping within 200 feet of the riverbank. It is also important to note that this section of the river is subject to seasonal closures, so it is important to check with local authorities before planning a trip.

StateColorado
RiverLower Rock Creek
ClassIII-IV
Elevation7,356 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal16%
StreamgageUSGS 09058000
Latitude40.0021°
Longitude-106.6894°
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 South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker 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 South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker 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 South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker Creek

What's the optimal flow for South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker 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 South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker Creek.

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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