Paddle Report

Dora Lake To State Highway 6 river run

Minnesota, USA Big Fork Class II-III
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
34%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Dora Lake To State Highway 6 -- Minnesota paddle run
Dora Lake To State Highway 6 Minnesota · Big Fork
About this run

Dora Lake To State Highway 6

The Whitewater River run from Dora Lake to State Highway 6 in Minnesota is a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 150 and 400 cubic feet per second (cfs). The class rating for this section of the river is Class II-III, which means that the rapids are moderate to difficult and require some skill and experience to navigate.

The segment mileage for this run is approximately 17 miles, and there are several specific river rapids and obstacles to be aware of. Some of the most notable rapids include the "Devil's Elbow" and "Broken Dam," which are both Class III rapids that require precise maneuvering to navigate safely. Other obstacles include fallen trees, rocks, and narrow channels that require careful attention and skillful paddling.

There are specific regulations to be aware of when paddling the Whitewater River. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requires that all paddlers wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river. Additionally, there are restrictions on the use of motorized watercraft, and paddlers are required to obtain a permit if they plan to camp along the river.

Overall, the Whitewater River run from Dora Lake to State Highway 6 in Minnesota is a challenging and rewarding experience for experienced paddlers. It offers a variety of rapids and obstacles to navigate, as well as beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
StateMinnesota
RiverBig Fork
ClassII-III
Elevation1,182 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal34%
StreamgageUSGS 05132000
Latitude47.7485°
Longitude-93.7754°
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 Dora Lake To State Highway 6 -- 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 Dora Lake To State Highway 6 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 Dora Lake To State Highway 6

What's the optimal flow for Dora Lake To State Highway 6?

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.