Arkansas River Segment 3 river run
Arkansas River Segment 3
The Zoom Flume rapid is a challenging class IV section that requires precise maneuvering through a narrow chute with a steep drop. Spikebuck is a class III+ rapid that features a wave train with several holes and rocks to avoid. Toilet Bowl is a class III+ rapid with a large hole that can be challenging to navigate.
There are specific regulations that must be followed when paddling on the Arkansas River Segment 3. All boaters must wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device at all times while on the river. Additionally, commercial outfitters are required to have a permit from the Bureau of Land Management to operate on this segment of the river.
Overall, the Whitewater River Run Arkansas River Segment 3 in Colorado offers a thrilling experience for intermediate and advanced paddlers. With its varied rapids, scenic views, and specific regulations, it is a must-visit destination for whitewater enthusiasts.
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 Arkansas River Segment 3 -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas River At Salida | 233 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River Near Wellsville | 240 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River Near Nathrop | 268 cfs | → |
| Kerber Cr Abv Little Kerber Cr Nr Villa Grove | 9 cfs | → |
| Tomichi Creek At Sargents | 38 cfs | → |
| Cotton Creek Near Mineral Hot Springs | 9 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
- Ahra - Salida East Rec Site
- Ahra - Big Bend Rec Site
- Road 191 Chaffee County
- Ahra - Stone Bridge Rec Site
- Ahra - Point Bar Rec Site
- Us 50 Fremont County
Other river runs
- Salida To Rincon
- Salida Whitewater Park
- Salida Town Run (Stone Bridge To Salida Ww Park)
- Pass Creek
- Browns Canyon (Fisherman's Bridge To Stone Bridge)
Campgrounds
- Salida East
- Rincon - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area
- Point Barr
- Hecla Junction
- Hecla Junction - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area
- Ohaver Lake
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 Arkansas River Segment 3 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 Arkansas River Segment 3
What's the optimal flow for Arkansas River Segment 3?
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 Arkansas River Segment 3.