Paddle Report

Palisades Dam To Confluence With Pine Creek river run

Idaho, USA South Fork Snake River Class IV-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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Palisades Dam To Confluence With Pine Creek -- Idaho paddle run
Palisades Dam To Confluence With Pine Creek Idaho · South Fork Snake River
About this run

Palisades Dam To Confluence With Pine Creek

The Palisades Dam to Confluence with Pine Creek whitewater river run is located in eastern Idaho and is a popular destination for kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 2,000 and 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), which provides the perfect balance of challenging rapids and manageable water levels.

This section of the river has a class rating of III-IV, meaning that it is moderately difficult and requires significant maneuvering to navigate safely. The segment covers a distance of approximately 10 miles, and includes several notable rapids such as Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter, and The Wall.

Big Kahuna is a class IV rapid that is known for its large waves and powerful hydraulics, while Lunch Counter is a long class III rapid that requires careful navigation through a series of drops and waves. The Wall is another class IV rapid that features a steep drop and a tight channel, which can be particularly challenging at higher water levels.

There are several regulations that apply to this area, including restrictions on camping and fires, as well as requirements for personal flotation devices and other safety equipment. Additionally, all visitors are required to obtain a permit from the local authorities before entering the river.

In summary, the Palisades Dam to Confluence with Pine Creek whitewater river run is a thrilling and challenging experience that requires careful planning and preparation. By following the recommended streamflow range, respecting the class ratings of the rapids, and adhering to local regulations, visitors can safely enjoy all that this beautiful section of the river has to offer.
StateIdaho
RiverSouth Fork Snake River
ClassIV-III
Elevation5,369 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal117%
StreamgageUSGS 13032500
Latitude43.3730°
Longitude-111.2450°
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 Palisades Dam To Confluence With Pine Creek -- 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 Palisades Dam To Confluence With Pine Creek 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 Palisades Dam To Confluence With Pine Creek

What's the optimal flow for Palisades Dam To Confluence With Pine Creek?

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 Palisades Dam To Confluence With Pine Creek.