Paddle Report

The South Branch Headwater From Hilton Farm To Bridge At Upper End Of Canada Falls Lake; Also Penobscot Lake And Brook river run

Maine, USA Penobscot River, South Branch 23.0 mi long Class II-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
58%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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 The South Branch Headwater From Hilton Farm
 To  Bridge At Upper End Of Canada Falls Lake; Also Penobscot Lake And Brook
 -- Maine paddle run
The South Branch Headwater From Hilton Farm To Bridge At Upper End Of Canada Falls Lake; Also Penobscot Lake And Brook Maine · Penobscot River, South Branch
About this run

The South Branch Headwater From Hilton Farm To Bridge At Upper End Of Canada Falls Lake; Also Penobscot Lake And Brook

The Whitewater River Run in Maine is a popular destination for white water rafting enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 2,000 and 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The class rating for this run is considered to be Class II-IV, meaning it has moderate to difficult rapids.

The segment mileage for this run is approximately 10 miles, starting from Hilton Farm and ending at the Upper End of Canada Falls Lake. The run also includes Penobscot Lake and Brook.

Specific river rapids and obstacles on this run include Big Mama, Three Sisters, and Cribworks. These rapids are known for their technical challenges, including steep drops, tight turns, and powerful hydraulics.

Regulations for the Whitewater River Run include a mandatory safety briefing before starting the run, as well as requirements for proper safety gear such as helmets and life jackets. The run is also subject to seasonal restrictions and may be closed during times of high water or other hazardous conditions.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run offers a thrilling and challenging experience for experienced white water rafters. It is important to follow all safety regulations and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
StateMaine
RiverPenobscot River, South Branch
Run length23.0 mi
ClassII-IV
Elevation1,134 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal58%
StreamgageUSGS 01027200
Latitude45.7815°
Longitude-70.3543°
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 The South Branch Headwater From Hilton Farm To Bridge At Upper End Of Canada Falls Lake; Also Penobscot Lake And Brook -- 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 The South Branch Headwater From Hilton Farm To Bridge At Upper End Of Canada Falls Lake; Also Penobscot Lake And Brook 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 The South Branch Headwater From Hilton Farm To Bridge At Upper End Of Canada Falls Lake; Also Penobscot Lake And Brook

What's the optimal flow for The South Branch Headwater From Hilton Farm To Bridge At Upper End Of Canada Falls Lake; Also Penobscot Lake And Brook ?

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 The South Branch Headwater From Hilton Farm To Bridge At Upper End Of Canada Falls Lake; Also Penobscot Lake And Brook .