Paddle Report

Headwaters To Sawtooth Nf Boundary river run

Idaho, USA South Fork Boise River Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
65%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Headwaters To Sawtooth Nf Boundary -- Idaho paddle run
Headwaters To Sawtooth Nf Boundary Idaho · South Fork Boise River
About this run

Headwaters To Sawtooth Nf Boundary

The Headwaters To Sawtooth Nf Boundary section of the Whitewater River in Idaho is a popular river run for experienced whitewater enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this section is between 800-2,000 cfs. The run is rated as Class III-IV, meaning it contains continuous rapids with difficult maneuvers required and potential obstacles such as rocks and drops. The segment mileage for this section is approximately 9 miles.

Specific rapids on this section include "The Notch," a narrow and rocky rapid that requires precise navigation, and "Boulder Garden," a rapid that requires careful attention to avoid submerged rocks and obstacles. It's important to note that the whitewater conditions on this section can change rapidly, so it's recommended to check current water levels and conditions before attempting the run.

Specific regulations for this area include a permit requirement for overnight camping. Additionally, the use of ropes or other equipment to secure boats to rocks or trees is prohibited, as it can damage the natural environment. Visitors are also required to follow Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash and waste.

StateIdaho
RiverSouth Fork Boise River
ClassIII-IV
Elevation4,228 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal65%
StreamgageUSGS 13186000
Latitude43.6109°
Longitude-115.2358°
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 Headwaters To Sawtooth Nf Boundary -- 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 Headwaters To Sawtooth Nf Boundary 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 Headwaters To Sawtooth Nf Boundary

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Sawtooth Nf Boundary?

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.