Snowslide Canyon Creek--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos river run
Snowslide Canyon Creek--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos
The Snowslide Canyon Creek-Headwaters to Confluence with Los Pinos is a popular whitewater river run located in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is 100-500 cfs, which is typically in the spring and early summer. This section of the river is rated as Class III-IV, meaning it has moderate to difficult rapids with moderate to high risk.
The segment mileage for this river run is approximately 14 miles, beginning at the headwaters of Snowslide Canyon Creek and ending at the confluence with Los Pinos. Some of the specific river rapids and obstacles on this run include S-Turn, Box Canyon, and The Narrows. These rapids require skilled maneuvering and offer exciting challenges for experienced whitewater kayakers and rafters.
There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a permit system for commercial use and a limit of 25 people per group. Additionally, all participants are required to wear personal flotation devices at all times while on the river. It is important to note that this river run can be dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced paddlers with proper safety equipment and training.
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 Snowslide Canyon Creek--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Grande At Thirtymile Bridge | 267 cfs | → |
| North Clear Creek Bl Continental Reservoir | 9 cfs | → |
| Vallecito Creek Near Bayfield | 150 cfs | → |
| Animas River At Howardsville | 127 cfs | → |
| Animas River Below Silverton | 331 cfs | → |
| Animas River At Silverton | 149 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.
Boat launches
Other river runs
- Rincon La Vaca--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos
- Rincon La Osa--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos
- Sierra Vandera--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos
- Flint Creek--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos
- Middle Fork--Headwaters To Weminuche Wilderness Boundary
Campgrounds
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 Snowslide Canyon Creek--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.
About Snowslide Canyon Creek--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos
What's the optimal flow for Snowslide Canyon Creek--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.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Snowslide Canyon Creek--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos.