Paddle Report

San Miguel River Segment 2 river run

Colorado, USA San Miguel River Segment 2 Class III+-IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
59%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
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San Miguel River Segment 2 -- Colorado paddle run
San Miguel River Segment 2 Colorado · San Miguel River Segment 2
About this run

San Miguel River Segment 2

The San Miguel River Segment 2 in Colorado is a popular whitewater river run with a class rating of III-IV. The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 400-900 cfs, which typically occurs from May to June during snowmelt season. The segment covers a distance of 12.3 miles, starting from the town of Placerville and ending at the junction with the Dolores River.

There are several notable rapids and obstacles along this segment, including the S-Turn Rapid, The Boneyard, and the Rico-Silverton Gauge. The S-Turn Rapid is a class III+ rapid that requires precise maneuvering to navigate through tight turns. The Boneyard is a class IV rapid that features several large boulders and requires expert-level paddling skills to navigate safely. The Rico-Silverton Gauge is a crucial landmark for assessing water levels and determining whether it is safe to continue downstream.

There are specific regulations in place for the San Miguel River Segment 2. All boaters must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and helmets are recommended. Additionally, there are no camping, fires, or alcohol allowed along the river corridor. It is important to respect private property rights and obtain permission before accessing any private land along the river. By following these regulations and respecting the natural environment, boaters can enjoy a safe and exhilarating whitewater experience on the San Miguel River Segment 2.
StateColorado
RiverSan Miguel River Segment 2
ClassIII+-IV
Elevation7,011 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal59%
StreamgageUSGS 09172500
Latitude38.1717°
Longitude-108.2608°
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 San Miguel River Segment 2 -- 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 San Miguel River Segment 2 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 San Miguel River Segment 2

What's the optimal flow for San Miguel River Segment 2?

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 San Miguel River Segment 2.

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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