Paddle Report

Headwaters To Footbridge river run

Mississippi, USA South Fork Flambeau River Class II-II
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Optimal low
300cfs
Optimal high
600cfs
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Headwaters To Footbridge -- Mississippi paddle run
Headwaters To Footbridge Mississippi · South Fork Flambeau River
About this run

Headwaters To Footbridge

The Whitewater River Run from Headwaters to Footbridge in Mississippi covers a distance of approximately 14 miles. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 300-600 cfs. The river is rated as Class I to Class II, providing a beginner to intermediate level of difficulty. The segment is relatively smooth, but some rapids and obstacles may be encountered as the river winds through the scenic landscape.

One of the most prominent rapids on the route is the "Deadman's Drop" located approximately 3 miles downstream from the put-in. This Class II rapid has a steep drop and requires some skill to navigate. Other notable rapids include "Pelican's Perch" and "Roller Coaster," both of which are Class I rapids.

There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a requirement to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) at all times while on the river. Additionally, alcohol is prohibited on the river, and all trash must be packed out.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run from Headwaters to Footbridge provides an enjoyable and scenic trip for kayakers and canoeists of varying skill levels. With its gentle rapids and stunning views, it is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of Mississippi.
StateMississippi
RiverSouth Fork Flambeau River
ClassII-II
Elevation127 ft
Optimal range300 — 600 cfs
Current flow--
StreamgageUSGS 07287160
Latitude45.9256°
Longitude-90.0806°
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 Headwaters To Footbridge -- 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 Headwaters To Footbridge 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 Headwaters To Footbridge

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Footbridge?

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.

More river runs

Other runs near here

Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Headwaters To Footbridge.