Paddle Report

West Branch, Mi State Highway 28 To Cascade Falls river run

Michigan, USA Ontonagon River (Mi)
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
37%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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West Branch, Mi State Highway 28 To Cascade Falls -- Michigan paddle run
West Branch, Mi State Highway 28 To Cascade Falls Michigan · Ontonagon River (Mi)
About this run

West Branch, Mi State Highway 28 To Cascade Falls

The West Branch of the Whitewater River in Michigan is a popular destination for kayakers and canoeists, with a class rating of II-III and a segment mileage of approximately 12 miles from State Highway 28 to Cascade Falls. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 400-800 cfs. The river features several notable rapids and obstacles, including Big Bend, Deadman's Curve, and the aptly named Roller Coaster.

While there are no specific regulations for this section of the river, it is important for paddlers to respect private property and obtain permission before accessing the river from private land. Additionally, paddlers should take care to minimize their impact on the environment by packing out all trash and avoiding disturbing wildlife.

Overall, the West Branch of the Whitewater River offers a challenging and scenic paddle for experienced paddlers, with plenty of opportunities to test their skills and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. As with any river run, it is important to check current conditions and safety information before embarking on a trip, and to follow all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
StateMichigan
RiverOntonagon River (Mi)
Elevation1,304 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal37%
StreamgageUSGS 04036000
Latitude46.6137°
Longitude-89.4861°
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, Mi State Highway 28 To Cascade Falls -- 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, Mi State Highway 28 To Cascade Falls 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, Mi State Highway 28 To Cascade Falls

What's the optimal flow for West Branch, Mi State Highway 28 To Cascade Falls?

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.