Paddle Report

Smith Creek To Confluence With Main Salmon river run

Idaho, USA South Fork Salmon River Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
72%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Smith Creek To Confluence With Main Salmon -- Idaho paddle run
Smith Creek To Confluence With Main Salmon Idaho · South Fork Salmon River
About this run

Smith Creek To Confluence With Main Salmon

The Smith Creek to Confluence with Main Salmon Whitewater River Run in Idaho is a popular destination for adventure seekers. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 1,000-4,000 cfs, making it perfect for intermediate to advanced rafters. The run is classified as Class III-IV, meaning that it has some moderate to difficult rapids and obstacles, including House Rock, Cutthroat, and Black Creek Falls.

The segment mileage for Smith Creek to Confluence with Main Salmon is approximately 50 miles, and it takes about 3-5 days to complete the entire run. Along the way, adventurers will encounter stunning views of the Salmon River Canyon, wildlife, and unique geologic formations.

There are specific regulations to the area that all visitors should be aware of. The river is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and permits are required for all overnight trips. Additionally, all visitors must follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash and waste. Camping is only allowed in designated areas, and fires are only permitted in fire rings.

In summary, the Smith Creek to Confluence with Main Salmon Whitewater River Run in Idaho is an exciting adventure for intermediate to advanced rafters. The ideal streamflow range is between 1,000-4,000 cfs, and the run is classified as Class III-IV. The segment mileage is approximately 50 miles, and visitors can expect to encounter unique rapids, stunning views, and wildlife. Specific regulations to the area include a required permit, Leave No Trace principles, designated camping areas, and fire ring restrictions.
StateIdaho
RiverSouth Fork Salmon River
ClassIII-IV
Elevation3,766 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal72%
StreamgageUSGS 13310700
Latitude45.3636°
Longitude-115.5207°
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 Smith Creek To Confluence With Main Salmon -- 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 Smith Creek To Confluence With Main Salmon 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 Smith Creek To Confluence With Main Salmon

What's the optimal flow for Smith Creek To Confluence With Main Salmon?

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.