Paddle Report

Headwaters To Confluence With South Branch Penobscot River river run

Maine, USA Penobscot Lake And Brook 11.0 mi long Class II-III
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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 Headwaters
 To  Confluence With South Branch Penobscot River -- Maine paddle run
Headwaters To Confluence With South Branch Penobscot River Maine · Penobscot Lake And Brook
About this run

Headwaters To Confluence With South Branch Penobscot River

The Whitewater River Run in Maine is a popular destination for kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 1000 and 3000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The river is classified as a Class II-III, with some Class IV rapids. The total segment mileage is approximately 14 miles, starting from the Headwaters and ending at the Confluence with the South Branch Penobscot River.

The Whitewater River Run features several rapids, including Big Poplar Rapid, Double Drop Rapid, and the infamous Staircase Rapid. These rapids offer a mix of technical and fast-paced drops, making for a thrilling ride. There are also a few obstacles on the river, including rocks and boulders, which require precise navigation.

There are specific regulations to the area that should be followed by anyone planning to visit the Whitewater River Run. For instance, all boaters are required to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) at all times while on the river. Additionally, all boats must be equipped with a whistle or horn for signaling purposes.

In conclusion, the Whitewater River Run offers a thrilling experience for kayakers and rafters, with a mix of technical and fast-paced rapids. The ideal streamflow range is between 1000 and 3000 cfs, and the river is classified as a Class II-III, with some Class IV rapids. It is important to follow the specific regulations set forth for the area, including wearing PFDs and carrying signaling devices.
StateMaine
RiverPenobscot Lake And Brook
Run length11.0 mi
ClassII-III
Elevation1,134 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal58%
StreamgageUSGS 01027200
Latitude45.9625°
Longitude-70.2082°
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 South 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 South 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 South Branch Penobscot River

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Confluence With South 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.