Paddle Report

Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Wood River river run

Idaho, USA North Fork Big River Class III-IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
98%
Loading current conditions…
Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
Streamflow history loading…
Loading next 24 hours…
Loading 7-day outlook…
Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Wood River -- Idaho paddle run
Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Wood River Idaho · North Fork Big River
About this run

Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Wood River

The Whitewater River Run from Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Wood River in Idaho is a thrilling adventure for experienced kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 200-500 cfs, which can vary depending on the season and precipitation levels.

This river run is rated Class III-IV, offering a mix of challenging rapids and calm stretches. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 5 miles, making for a short but exciting trip.

Some specific rapids and obstacles on this run include The Maze, a tight and technical section that requires precise maneuvering, as well as The Slide, a long and steep drop that can be quite exhilarating.

It's important to note that specific regulations apply to this area, including a requirement for all boaters to wear a personal floatation device and to carry a whistle and a proper watercraft permit. Additionally, boaters must respect private property rights and avoid any littering or damage to the natural environment.

StateIdaho
RiverNorth Fork Big River
ClassIII-IV
Elevation6,271 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal98%
StreamgageUSGS 13135500
Latitude43.8667°
Longitude-114.4367°
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.

Loading hourly forecast…
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
Loading detailed forecast…
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.

Loading 15-day outlook…
Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Wood 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 Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Wood 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 Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Wood River

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Wood 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.