Paddle Report

Dolores River - Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office river run

Colorado, USA Dolores River - Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
35%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Dolores River - Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office -- Colorado paddle run
Dolores River - Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office Colorado · Dolores River - Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office
About this run

Dolores River - Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office

The Dolores River, McPhee to Bedrock segment is considered one of the most exciting river runs in Colorado. The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 800 and 3000 cfs. It is rated as a Class III-IV run, with challenging rapids and obstacles throughout the 47-mile stretch.

Some of the notable rapids and obstacles in this segment include Snaggletooth, Stateline, Slickrock, and Pinball. The Snaggletooth rapid is a particularly challenging section with a tight S-curve and multiple drops. Stateline rapid has several large waves and drops that require precise navigation. Slickrock is a long and technical rapid with narrow channels and numerous obstacles.

The segment is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and has specific regulations to protect the natural resources and wildlife in the area. Some of these regulations include a limit on the number of people per group and designated campsites to minimize human impact on the environment.

Overall, the Dolores River, McPhee to Bedrock segment offers a thrilling whitewater experience with beautiful scenery and challenging obstacles. It is important to follow regulations and guidelines for responsible use of this natural resource.
StateColorado
RiverDolores River - Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office
ClassIII-IV
Elevation6,941 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal35%
StreamgageUSGS 09166500
Latitude37.5775°
Longitude-108.5859°
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 Dolores River - Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office -- 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 Dolores River - Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office 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 Dolores River - Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office

What's the optimal flow for Dolores River - Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office?

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 Dolores River - Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office.