2025-12-19T17:00:00-07:00
...ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO BRING SIGNIFICANT MOUNTAIN SNOW... .A plume of subtropical moisture associated with an atmospheric river will bring significant mountain snow Thursday into Friday. Snow levels will rise above 5,000 feet Thursday night before quickly dropping Friday morning as strong cold front passes. The heaviest snow accumulations will impact higher elevations above 6,000 feet, especially across the Clearwater and Bitterroot Mountains. * WHAT...Snow expected above 6500 feet. There is a likelihood of moderate winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches across Gilmore Summit with 12 to 24 inches over mountain areas including Lost Trail Pass. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Lemhi Pass, Highway 93 Lost Trail Pass to Gibbonsville, Highway 28 Tendoy to Lone Pine, and Bannock Pass. * WHEN...From 1 PM this afternoon to 5 PM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes, especially over higher passes.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for the river is between 1,500 and 25,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The river is rated as a Class III to IV, with some sections reaching Class V during high water. The river has a total length of 425 miles, with the most popular section being the Middle Fork, which spans 100 miles.
The Middle Fork has several notable rapids, including Velvet Falls, which is a Class IV rapid that requires skilled maneuvering through narrow channels. Other notable rapids include Pistol Creek Rapids, Haystack Rapid, and Cliffside Rapid. Boaters should be aware of several major obstacles on the river, including strainers, sweepers, and logjams.
The Salmon River is regulated by the United States Forest Service, which sets rules and regulations for boaters. These regulations include the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs), the prohibition of glass containers, and the requirement to pack out all trash. Additionally, boaters must obtain a permit to run the river, which is issued through a lottery system.
Overall, the Salmon River in Idaho offers a thrilling and challenging whitewater experience for experienced boaters. Boaters should always be aware of the current streamflow and should take necessary safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 516 cfs (4.83 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 49% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-v |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 13305000 |
Weather Forecast
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Waddington Creek Campground
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Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground
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Iron Lake
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Iron Lake Campground
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Cottonwood Rec Site - Salmon River
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Salmon River
Colston to the Town of Salmon
Cow Creek
Pahsimeroi to Royal Gorge
Bear Valley Lake To Trailhead