Paddle Report

Headwaters To Confluence With West Branch Penobscot River river run

Maine, USA Katahdin Stream 9.0 mi long Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
81%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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 Headwaters To  Confluence With West Branch Penobscot River -- Maine paddle run
Headwaters To Confluence With West Branch Penobscot River Maine · Katahdin Stream
About this run

Headwaters To Confluence With West Branch Penobscot River

The Whitewater River Run in Maine is a thrilling adventure for experienced paddlers. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 400 and 800 cfs, which provides Class III and IV rapids. The segment mileage is approximately 7.5 miles, starting at the Headwaters and ending at the Confluence with the West Branch Penobscot River.

The rapids in this run include Twisted Sister, which is a Class III rapid with a rocky entrance and a narrow chute. Another notable rapid is The Minefield, which is a Class IV rapid with several large boulders and steep drops. Paddlers must navigate carefully through these obstacles to avoid capsizing.

It is important to note that the Whitewater River Run is located within the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, and specific regulations apply to the area. Paddlers must obtain a permit before entering the area, and there are restrictions on camping, fires, and waste disposal. Additionally, paddlers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles and respect wildlife and natural resources in the area.

In conclusion, the Whitewater River Run in Maine offers a challenging and exciting experience for experienced paddlers. The ideal streamflow range is between 400 and 800 cfs, with Class III and IV rapids. Paddlers must navigate through specific rapids and obstacles, and adhere to specific regulations and guidelines in the area.
StateMaine
RiverKatahdin Stream
Run length9.0 mi
ClassIII-IV
Elevation353 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal81%
StreamgageUSGS 01029500
Latitude45.9099°
Longitude-68.9466°
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 Headwaters To Confluence With West Branch Penobscot River -- 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 Headwaters To Confluence With West Branch Penobscot 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.

FAQ

About Headwaters To Confluence With West Branch Penobscot River

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Confluence With West Branch Penobscot 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.