Paddle Report

Rincon La Vaca--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos river run

Colorado, USA Los Pinos Class III-IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
55%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
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Rincon La Vaca--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos -- Colorado paddle run
Rincon La Vaca--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos Colorado · Los Pinos
About this run

Rincon La Vaca--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos

The whitewater river run Rincon La Vaca -- Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos is a challenging and scenic adventure located in southwestern Colorado. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 500 and 2,000 cfs, making it accessible for experienced kayakers and rafters.

The class rating for this run ranges from Class III to Class IV, offering a thrilling experience with exciting rapids and obstacles. This river run covers a distance of approximately 6.5 miles, starting at the headwaters and ending at the confluence with Los Pinos.

Some of the notable rapids and obstacles along the route include the Slide, the Ribcage, and the Headwall. These rapids require technical maneuvering and precise navigation to successfully navigate through them.

In terms of regulations, all boaters must have a valid Colorado River Outfitter License and comply with all state laws and regulations. There are also camping restrictions in the area, and visitors are advised to check with local authorities for current regulations.

Overall, the Rincon La Vaca -- Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos river run offers a challenging and rewarding adventure for experienced boaters, with exciting rapids and stunning scenery along the way.
StateColorado
RiverLos Pinos
ClassIII-IV
Elevation9,309 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal55%
StreamgageUSGS 08213500
Latitude37.6680°
Longitude-107.3359°
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 Rincon La Vaca--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos -- 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 Rincon La Vaca--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 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 Rincon La Vaca--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos

What's the optimal flow for Rincon La Vaca--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos?

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.