Fire Weather Watch
2026-04-12T19:00:00-05:00

...Fire Weather Watch in Effect Sunday 11 AM until 7 PM For All of North Alabama... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 001 Lauderdale, Fire Weather Zone 002 Colbert, Fire Weather Zone 003 Franklin AL, Fire Weather Zone 004 Lawrence, Fire Weather Zone 005 Limestone, Fire Weather Zone 006 Madison, Fire Weather Zone 007 Morgan, Fire Weather Zone 008 Marshall, Fire Weather Zone 009 Jackson, Fire Weather Zone 010 DeKalb, Fire Weather Zone 014 Winston and Fire Weather Zone 016 Cullman. * TIMING...11 AM through 7 PM Sunday * WINDS...Sustained south winds around 10 mph with gusts to between 15-20 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 29 percent. * TEMPERATURES...In the lower to mid 80s. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Please obey any local burn bans that are in place!

Paddle Report

Alabama

Last Updated: 2026-04-10

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The whitewater river run from Desoto Falls to the confluence with Little River in Alabama is a popular destination for kayakers and rafters.

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 150 and 400 cubic feet per second (cfs), which generally provides a Class II-III rating. The segment distance for this run is approximately 10 miles, with several specific river rapids and obstacles, including the "Minnie Hole" and "Champagne" rapids. The rapids on this run are generally considered to be technical and narrow, requiring precise maneuvering.

In terms of regulations, all boaters are required to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets while on the river. Additionally, there are specific designated put-in and take-out areas, and all vehicles must display a valid park pass. It is also important to note that this run is subject to water levels and weather conditions, and boaters should always check current river conditions before embarking on the run.

Sources:
- "Desoto Falls Whitewater Run," American Whitewater website, accessed February 2021.
- "Desoto State Park Whitewater," Alabama Whitewater website, accessed February 2021.

Regional Streamflow Levels

Big Wills Creek At State Hwy 35 Nr Fort Payne 54.2cfs	54cfs
Chattooga River At Summerville 139.0cfs	139cfs
Chattooga River Above Gaylesville Al 261.0cfs	261cfs
Little River Near Blue Pond Al 198.0cfs	198cfs
Heath Creek Near Armuchee 3.13cfs	3cfs
Lookout Creek Near New England 50.3cfs	50cfs

15-Day Long Term Forecast

River Run Details

Last Updated	2026-04-10
River Levels	29 cfs (4.3 ft)
Percent of Normal	42%
Status
Class Level	ii-iii
Elevation	ft
Run Length	9.0 Mi
Streamflow Discharge	cfs
Gauge Height	ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 02400680

Explore Interactive Map

Fire Weather Watch
Until 2026-04-11T22:00:00-05:00 • National Weather Service
...Fire Weather Watch in Effect Sunday 11 AM until 7 PM For All of North Alabama... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 001 Lauderdale, Fire Weather Zone 002 Colbert, Fire Weather Zone 003 Franklin AL, Fire Weather Zone 004 Lawrence, Fire Weather Zone 005 Limestone, Fire Weather Zone 006 Madison, Fire Weather Zone 007 Morgan, Fire Weather Zone 008 Marshall, Fire Weather Zone 009 Jackson, Fire Weather Zone 010 DeKalb, Fire Weather Zone 014 Winston and Fire Weather Zone 016 Cullman. * TIMING...11 AM through 7 PM Sunday * WINDS...Sustained south winds around 10 mph with gusts to between 15-20 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 29 percent. * TEMPERATURES...In the lower to mid 80s. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Please obey any local burn bans that are in place!