BIG LOST RIVER
River Runs • Kayaking • Whitewater
November 23, 2024
National Weather Service • Until 2024-11-23T15:00:00-07:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow above 7000 feet. Additional snow accumulations between 6 and 13 inches above 7000 feet, and 2 to 8 inches below. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Big Lost Highlands/Copper Basin, Sawtooth/Stanley Basin, and Sun Valley Region. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Expect temporary road closures.
SUMMARY
| Last Updated | 2024-09-23 |
| River Levels | 505 cfs (3.82 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 89% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii/iv-v |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage |
USGS 13120000 |
The Big Lost River in Idaho is a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for the river is between 500 and 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs), with the best flow occurring in the late spring and early summer. The river is classified as a class III/IV rapids, with some sections reaching class V in difficulty. The run is approximately 14 miles long, with a drop of 1,500 feet in elevation.
Some notable rapids and obstacles on the Big Lost River include the "Entrance Rapid," which is a class IV drop that signals the start of the run, and "Highway to Hell," a class V rapid that is technical and challenging. Other notable rapids include "Boneyard," "Sonic Boom," and "Tumbleweed."
Specific regulations for the Big Lost River include the requirement of personal floatation devices (PFDs) for all participants and the prohibition of alcoholic beverages on the river. Additionally, there are designated put-in and take-out locations for the river, and access to the river is limited to designated areas to minimize environmental impact.
