Paddle Report

Source To Mouth river run

Idaho/Snoflo:/Feature, USA Bunchgrass Creek Class II-IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
55%
Loading current conditions…
Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
Streamflow history loading…
Loading next 24 hours…
Loading 7-day outlook…
Source To Mouth -- Idaho/Snoflo:/Feature paddle run
Source To Mouth Idaho/Snoflo:/Feature · Bunchgrass Creek
About this run

Source To Mouth

The Whitewater River Run in Idaho is a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts. The river flows for approximately 30 miles, from its source in the Sawtooth National Forest to its confluence with the Salmon River. The ideal streamflow range for the Whitewater River is between 500 and 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), with peak flows generally occurring in late May and early June.

The class rating for the Whitewater River ranges from Class II to Class IV, with several challenging rapids and obstacles along the way. Some of the most notable rapids include Marble Creek, Devil's Tooth Rapid, and The Chute. These rapids can be particularly challenging at high water levels, and require experienced paddlers to navigate safely.

In terms of segment mileage, the Whitewater River can be broken down into three main sections: the Upper, Middle, and Lower Sections. The Upper Section is approximately 10 miles long, and is known for its steep gradient and challenging rapids. The Middle Section is the longest, at approximately 15 miles, and features a mix of challenging rapids and more relaxed stretches of water. The Lower Section is the most mellow, with gentle Class I and II rapids and a peaceful float to the confluence with the Salmon River.

To ensure safety and protect the environment, there are several regulations in place for the Whitewater River Run. These include permits for commercial outfitters, restrictions on group size, and guidelines for camping and campfires. Additionally, boaters are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash and waste.

StateIdaho/Snoflo:/Feature
RiverBunchgrass Creek
ClassII-IV
Elevation4,447 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal55%
StreamgageUSGS 10092700
Latitude41.9036°
Longitude-111.6258°
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.

Loading hourly forecast…
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
Loading detailed forecast…
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.

Loading 15-day outlook…
Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Source To Mouth -- 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 Source To Mouth 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 Source To Mouth

What's the optimal flow for Source To Mouth?

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.

More river runs

Other runs near here

Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Source To Mouth.

Premium feature

Favorites and custom alerts are part of Snoflo Premium. Save runs, set discharge thresholds, and get push notifications when flows hit your window.

Upgrade to Premium Not now
🔔

Manage alerts in the Snoflo app

Custom push alerts are configured in the iOS app -- favorite this run, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me at 600 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.

Open App Store