Paddle Report

Cass Lake To Lake Winnibigoshish river run

Minnesota, USA Mississippi River 11.0 mi long Class I-II
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
55%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
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 Cass Lake
 To  Lake Winnibigoshish -- Minnesota paddle run
Cass Lake To Lake Winnibigoshish Minnesota · Mississippi River
About this run

Cass Lake To Lake Winnibigoshish

The Whitewater River Run from Cass Lake to Lake Winnibigoshish in Minnesota is a popular route for kayakers and canoers. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 350-700 cfs, depending on the skill level of the paddlers. The river is rated as a Class I-II, with occasional Class III rapids in certain sections. The total distance of the run is approximately 28 miles, with varying scenery and obstacles along the way.

Some of the notable rapids and obstacles on the Whitewater River Run include the "Narrows," a narrow passage with fast-moving water and several rocks, and the "S-Bend," a sharp turn with a strong current. Paddlers should also be aware of fallen trees and other debris that may obstruct the river in certain areas.

It is important to note that there are specific regulations in place for this area. The use of motorized watercraft is prohibited on the Whitewater River, and all paddlers must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times. Additionally, camping is only allowed in designated areas along the river. Paddlers should be respectful of the natural environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.

StateMinnesota
RiverMississippi River
Run length11.0 mi
ClassI-II
Elevation1,318 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal55%
StreamgageUSGS 05200510
Latitude47.4517°
Longitude-94.4831°
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 Cass Lake To Lake Winnibigoshish -- 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 Cass Lake To Lake Winnibigoshish 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 Cass Lake To Lake Winnibigoshish

What's the optimal flow for Cass Lake To Lake Winnibigoshish?

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.

Premium feature

Favorites and custom alerts are part of Snoflo Premium. Save runs, set discharge thresholds, and get push notifications when flows hit your window.

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Manage alerts in the Snoflo app

Custom push alerts are configured in the iOS app -- favorite this run, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me at 600 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.

Open App Store