Paddle Report

West Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 35, T48n, R34w To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46n, R34w river run

Illinois, USA Paint River (Mi) Class II
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
30%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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West Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 35, T48n, R34w To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46n, R34w -- Illinois paddle run
West Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 35, T48n, R34w To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46n, R34w Illinois · Paint River (Mi)
About this run

West Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 35, T48n, R34w To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46n, R34w

The West Branch Net River in Illinois is a popular whitewater river run that is characterized by a variety of rapids and obstacles. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 500 and 2000 cubic feet per second (cfs) depending on the skill level of the paddlers. The river is rated Class II to III+, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers.

The segment mileage of the West Branch Net River is approximately 10 miles, starting from its source in Sec 35, T48N, R34W, and ending at its confluence with the mainstem Net River in Sec 24, T46N, R34W. The river features a variety of rapids, including quick drops, ledges, and narrow chutes. Some of the most challenging rapids include the Gorge, the Narrows, and Upper and Lower Ledges.

There are specific regulations that apply to the West Branch Net River. For instance, paddlers are required to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) at all times while on the river. In addition, camping and fires are only allowed in designated areas to protect the natural environment. The river is also subject to occasional closures due to high water levels or other hazardous conditions.

In conclusion, the West Branch Net River in Illinois is a challenging and exciting whitewater river run that offers a range of rapids and obstacles for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The ideal streamflow range is between 500 and 2000 cfs, and there are specific regulations that apply to the area to protect the natural environment.
StateIllinois
RiverPaint River (Mi)
ClassII
Elevation646 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal30%
StreamgageUSGS 05572000
Latitude46.3940°
Longitude-88.5067°
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 West Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 35, T48n, R34w To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46n, R34w -- 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 West Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 35, T48n, R34w To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46n, R34w 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 West Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 35, T48n, R34w To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46n, R34w

What's the optimal flow for West Branch Net River, From Its Source In Sec 35, T48n, R34w To Confluence With Mainstem Net River In Sec 24, T46n, R34w?

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.