Paddle Report

Mainstem West Of Palisades Reservoir Including North Fork And Deadman Creek To Palisades Reservoir river run

Idaho, USA Bear Creek Class II-III
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
117%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Mainstem West Of Palisades Reservoir  Including North Fork And Deadman Creek To Palisades Reservoir -- Idaho paddle run
Mainstem West Of Palisades Reservoir Including North Fork And Deadman Creek To Palisades Reservoir Idaho · Bear Creek
About this run

Mainstem West Of Palisades Reservoir Including North Fork And Deadman Creek To Palisades Reservoir

The Mainstem West of Palisades Reservoir, including North Fork and Deadman Creek to Palisades Reservoir, is a popular whitewater river run in the state of Idaho. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 1,500 and 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The class rating varies depending on the section of the river, with some portions rated as Class II-III and others rated as Class III-IV. The segment mileage is approximately 11 miles, starting at the confluence of the North Fork and the main stem of the river, and ending at Palisades Reservoir.

Some specific river rapids and obstacles to watch out for include the "Box Canyon" section, a narrow and steep-walled canyon that requires precise maneuvering, and "Big Kahuna," a Class IV rapid with a large wave that can easily flip rafts. It is important to note that the river can become significantly more challenging at higher streamflow levels.

Additionally, there are specific regulations to the area, including the requirement to have a permit for commercial outfitters and to follow Leave No Trace principles. The river is also managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and visitors should adhere to their guidelines and regulations.

Overall, the Mainstem West of Palisades Reservoir offers a challenging and scenic whitewater experience for experienced rafters at the right streamflow levels. Visitors should always prioritize safety and follow all regulations to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
StateIdaho
RiverBear Creek
ClassII-III
Elevation5,369 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal117%
StreamgageUSGS 13032500
Latitude43.2180°
Longitude-111.3060°
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 Mainstem West Of Palisades Reservoir Including North Fork And Deadman Creek To Palisades Reservoir -- 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 Mainstem West Of Palisades Reservoir Including North Fork And Deadman Creek To Palisades Reservoir 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 Mainstem West Of Palisades Reservoir Including North Fork And Deadman Creek To Palisades Reservoir

What's the optimal flow for Mainstem West Of Palisades Reservoir Including North Fork And Deadman Creek To Palisades Reservoir?

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 Mainstem West Of Palisades Reservoir Including North Fork And Deadman Creek To Palisades Reservoir.