Paddle Report

Sunbeam Run (Stanley To Sunbeam Dam) river run

Idaho, USA Salmon River 13.0 mi long Class III- TO III+
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
110%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
Optimal low
600cfs
Optimal high
6,000cfs
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Sunbeam Run (Stanley To Sunbeam Dam) -- Idaho paddle run
Sunbeam Run (Stanley To Sunbeam Dam) Idaho · Salmon River
About this run

Sunbeam Run (Stanley To Sunbeam Dam)

The Sunbeam Run on the Salmon River in Idaho is a class III to IV river run, with exhilarating rapids and stunning scenery. The section from Stanley to Sunbeam Dam features several challenging rapids such as the "Devil's Tooth" and "Elkhorn", as well as narrow passages and strong currents. The best time to float this section of water is during late spring to early summer when the water levels are high enough. Recommended CFS for this run is between 1,500 to 5,000. A skilled guide is highly recommended for this river run.
StateIdaho
RiverSalmon River
Run length13.0 mi
Gradient23 fpm
ClassIII- TO III+
Optimal range600 — 6,000 cfs
Current flow--
Percent of normal110%
StreamgageUSGS 13302500
Latitude44.2233°
Longitude-114.9277°
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 Sunbeam Run (Stanley To Sunbeam Dam) -- 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 Sunbeam Run (Stanley To Sunbeam Dam) 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 Sunbeam Run (Stanley To Sunbeam Dam)

What's the optimal flow for Sunbeam Run (Stanley To Sunbeam Dam)?

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.