South Fork Snake River river run
South Fork Snake River
The South Fork is rated as a Class III+ river, with some Class IV rapids. The segment mileage of this section is approximately 27 miles, starting at the Palisades Dam and ending at the Spring Creek Bridge.
Some of the notable rapids and obstacles on the South Fork include Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter, and Cottonwood. Big Kahuna is a Class IV rapid with a large wave train, while Lunch Counter is a Class III+ rapid with multiple waves. Cottonwood is a large boulder that creates a significant obstacle for boaters.
There are specific regulations for the South Fork Snake River, including a limit on the number of commercial outfitters allowed on the river, a requirement for all boaters to wear a personal flotation device, and restrictions on alcohol consumption while on the river. Additionally, there are designated campsites along the river that require a reservation.
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.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
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.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around South Fork Snake River -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Snake River Nr Irwin Id | 14,000 cfs | → |
| Greys River Ab Reservoir Nr Alpine Wy | 1,180 cfs | → |
| Snake River Ab Reservoir Nr Alpine Wy | 7,940 cfs | → |
| Salt River Ab Reservoir Nr Etna Wy | 582 cfs | → |
| Grays Lake Outlet Nr Herman Id | 0 cfs | → |
| Fish Creek At Wilson | 442 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Boat launches
- Big Elk Creek Road 100, Bonneville County
- Spring Creek Boat Ramp Swan Valley
- Conant Valley Boat Ramp
- Alpine
- Sheep Gulch Boating Site
Other river runs
- Palisade Dam To Lorenzo (South Fork)
- Palisades Dam To Confluence With Pine Creek
- Confluence Of North Fork Palisades Creek And Corral Canyon To Palisades Campground
- One Mile Above Trailhead To Trailhead
- Source To Upper Palisades Lake
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
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 South Fork Snake 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.
About South Fork Snake River
What's the optimal flow for South Fork Snake 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.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of South Fork Snake River.