Paddle Report

Alta Creek To Confluence With Feather River river run

Idaho, USA Elk Creek (Feather River) Class III-V
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
69%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Alta Creek To Confluence With Feather River -- Idaho paddle run
Alta Creek To Confluence With Feather River Idaho · Elk Creek (Feather River)
About this run

Alta Creek To Confluence With Feather River

The Alta Creek to Confluence with Feather River whitewater river run in Idaho is a thrilling adventure for experienced kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 500-1000 cfs, which provides moderate to challenging rapids for paddlers.

This segment covers approximately 10 miles of Class III-V rapids, including the infamous "Hemorrhoid" and "Staircase" rapids. These rapids are known for their technicality and require expert navigation skills. Additionally, paddlers must also navigate around various obstacles such as boulders, fallen trees, and sharp turns.

Regulations in this area require all boaters to wear a personal flotation device, and kayakers must also wear a helmet. Additionally, boating permits are required and can be obtained from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

In summary, the Alta Creek to Confluence with Feather River whitewater river run is a challenging adventure for experienced paddlers. With its ideal streamflow range, Class III-V rapids, and various obstacles, this segment provides an exciting and technical journey. However, it is important to follow regulations and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
StateIdaho
RiverElk Creek (Feather River)
ClassIII-V
Elevation4,228 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal69%
StreamgageUSGS 13186000
Latitude43.6780°
Longitude-115.2651°
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 Alta Creek To Confluence With Feather River -- 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 Alta Creek To Confluence With Feather River 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 Alta Creek To Confluence With Feather River

What's the optimal flow for Alta Creek To Confluence With Feather River?

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 Alta Creek To Confluence With Feather River.