Paddle Report

The Hartland Headwaters To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem river run

Connecticut, USA Salmon Brook, West Branch 12.0 mi long Class II-III
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
56%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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 The Hartland Headwaters To  The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem -- Connecticut paddle run
The Hartland Headwaters To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem Connecticut · Salmon Brook, West Branch
About this run

The Hartland Headwaters To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem

The Whitewater River, also known as the Salmon Brook, is a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts in Connecticut. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 400-800 cubic feet per second (cfs), allowing for a thrilling ride through the various class II-III rapids. The segment mileage of this run is approximately 6 miles, starting at the Hartland Headwaters and ending at the confluence with the Salmon Brook Main Stem.

The river features several notable rapids, including "Tin Can Alley," "The Flume," and "The Pop-up." Along with these rapids, there are also various obstacles such as strainers and low-hanging branches that require skilled navigation.

To ensure safety for all visitors, specific regulations have been put in place. Life jackets are required for all individuals, and children under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket at all times. Additionally, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on the river.

Overall, the Whitewater River run is an exciting and challenging experience for those seeking an adrenaline rush on the water. It is important to be aware of the regulations and to only attempt this run with proper training and equipment.
StateConnecticut
RiverSalmon Brook, West Branch
Run length12.0 mi
ClassII-III
Elevation508 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal56%
StreamgageUSGS 01186000
Latitude41.9769°
Longitude-72.9161°
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 The Hartland Headwaters To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem -- 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 The Hartland Headwaters To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem 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 The Hartland Headwaters To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem

What's the optimal flow for The Hartland Headwaters To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem?

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.