CARLTON COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY #12 BRIDGE TO THE SITE OF OLD SANDSTONE HYDROELECTRIC DAM
River Runs • Kayaking • Whitewater
November 21, 2024
National Weather Service • Until 2024-11-21T14:00:00-06:00
* WHAT...Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. * WHERE...Carlton and South St. Louis County. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Fond du Lac Band. * WHEN...From 6 AM this morning to 2 PM CST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
SUMMARY
| Last Updated | 2024-11-21 |
| River Levels | 187 cfs (4.17 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 87% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | ii-iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Run Length | 35.0 Mi |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage |
USGS 05336700 |
The Whitewater River run in Carlton County, Minnesota spans a 7.5-mile segment from the Carlton County State Aid Highway #12 Bridge to the old Sandstone Hydroelectric Dam site. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 100 and 600 cubic feet per second (cfs), with peak flows occurring in the spring and after heavy rainfall.
The Whitewater River run is rated as a Class II-III rapids, with some sections reaching a Class IV difficulty level. The river features several rapids and obstacles, including the "Wave", "The Potholes", and "The Pipeline", which offer exciting challenges for experienced paddlers.
Specific regulations for the area include a requirement for a valid Minnesota watercraft registration or a non-resident watercraft permit for all motorized watercraft. Paddlers are also required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river.
The Whitewater River run is a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts seeking a challenging and scenic paddle. It is important to check streamflow levels and weather conditions before embarking on this adventure, as conditions can change rapidly and affect the difficulty of the rapids. Additionally, all paddlers should have the appropriate experience and skills to navigate the rapids safely.
