Paddle Report

Joseph Creek river run

Idaho, USA Joseph Creek Class III-IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
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Current flow
--
% of normal
58%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Joseph Creek -- Idaho paddle run
Joseph Creek Idaho · Joseph Creek
About this run

Joseph Creek

Joseph Creek is a popular white water river run in Idaho. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 400 and 800 cubic feet per second (cfs), although some experienced kayakers may prefer higher water levels. This class III-IV river run spans approximately 10 miles, from the put-in at Joseph Creek Campground to the take-out at the Grande Ronde River. There are several notable rapids and obstacles on this run, including "Grumpy," "Satan's Eyeball," and "Tequila Falls."

It is important to note that Joseph Creek is on Nez Perce tribal land and therefore requires a permit from the tribe in order to access the river. Additionally, there are specific regulations in place to protect the natural environment and cultural resources of the area. Visitors are asked to stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and respect any cultural or sacred sites they may encounter along the way. It is also recommended to check with the Nez Perce tribe or a local outfitter for up-to-date information on river conditions and any potential hazards.

StateIdaho
RiverJoseph Creek
ClassIII-IV
Elevation858 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal58%
StreamgageUSGS 13317660
Latitude46.0130°
Longitude-117.0624°
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 Joseph 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 Joseph 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 Joseph Creek

What's the optimal flow for Joseph 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.