Nevada river runs
Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Nevada with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.
Nevada paddle map
See which Nevada runs are in right now
Every run and gauge on one live map:
- Runnable now — too low, in range or too high
- Gauges — every river vs its normal flow
- Rain coming — 24/48/72-hr forecast, press play
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Nevada river runs today
What’s in range, the best bets by class and what’s running high — from live USGS gauges.
Best bets in range today — Class IV: Frenchman Reservoir To Nf Boundary (1 cfs) and Roads End To Forest Boundary (3 cfs); Class III: Headwaters To Forest Boundary (1 cfs).
Running high: Headwaters To Eastern Boundary Of Great Basin National Pa… at 3 cfs (range tops out near 2). Scout before you commit.
Nevada may be known for its deserts and casinos, but the state also offers some thrilling whitewater and kayaking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. One popular destination is the Truckee River, which flows from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. The Truckee River offers a variety of runs for all skill levels, with the most popular section being the Truckee River Whitewater Park in Reno. This park features man-made features such as drops and waves, making it a great spot for kayakers looking to practice their skills. Recommended streamflow levels for the Truckee River are between 300-1,000 cubic feet per second for optimal whitewater conditions.
Another must-visit river for whitewater enthusiasts in Nevada is the Carson River, specifically the Carson River Canyon run. This run offers class II-III rapids and stunning scenery as it winds through the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is best navigated in the spring months when snowmelt increases the water levels, providing exciting whitewater conditions. Safety is paramount when kayaking or rafting in Nevada, so always check current streamflow levels, wear appropriate safety gear, and be aware of potential hazards such as rocks and strainers. With its diverse range of river runs and beautiful landscapes, Nevada is a hidden gem for whitewater and kayaking adventures.
Nevada paddle report
| River run | Streamflow | Status | Runnable range | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headwaters To Eastern Boundary Of Great Basin National Park | 3 cfs | Too high | 1–2 cfstypical | II-III |
| Frenchman Reservoir To Nf Boundary | 1 cfs | Runnable | 0–7 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Leavitt Meadows Campground To Htnf Boundary | 105 cfs | Too low | 600–1,000 cfs | II-III |
| Wilderness Boundary To Trailhead/Roads End | 4 cfs | Too low | 5–10 cfstypical | · |
| Trailhead To Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest Boundary | 4 cfs | Too low | 5–10 cfstypical | II-III |
| Headwaters To Mt Moriah Wilderness Boundary | 4 cfs | Too low | 5–10 cfstypical | III-V |
| Headwaters To Trailhead, Roads End | 3 cfs | Runnable | 2–25 cfstypical | · |
| Roads End To Forest Boundary | 3 cfs | Runnable | 2–25 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Headwaters To Alta Toquima Wilderness Boundary | 1 cfs | Runnable | 1–9 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Headwaters, Includes N Fork And Main Fork To T20n,R66e, Sec 17 | 4 cfs | Too low | 5–10 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary | 2 cfs | Too low | 200–1,000 cfs | II-III |
| Headwaters To Jarbidge Wilderness Boundary | 2 cfs | Too low | 200–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| T47n,R40e,Sec 13 To Forest Boundary T47n,R39e,Sec10/11 | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | · |
| Headwaters To Forest Boundary | 1 cfs | Runnable | 1–9 cfstypical | II-III |
| Headwaters To Arcdome Wilderness Boundary | 1 cfs | Runnable | 1–9 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Wilderness Boundary To Forest Boundary | 2 cfs | Too low | 200–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Little Whitehorse J4 | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | · |
| Big Trout Creek (Including East Fork) | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | V |
| Mcdermitt Cr J7 | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Rattlesnake Cr J17 | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Sage Cr J9 | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Antelope Cr J10 | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | III-III |
| Mcdermitt Cr, N Fk J8 | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Oregon Canyon Cr J15 | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | IV-V |
| Whitehorse Cr | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | III |
| Indian Cr | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Doolittle Cr | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | · |
| Whitehorse Cr J1 | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | III |
| Willow Cr | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | II-IV |
| Cougar Point Creek | 2 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | · |
| Dave Creek | 2 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Salmon Falls Creek | 22 cfs | Too low | 35–487 cfstypical | III-IV |
| West Fork Bruneau River | 2 cfs | Too low | 48–682 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Rocky Canyon Creek | 22 cfs | Too low | 35–487 cfstypical | II-IV |
| Jarbidge River | 2 cfs | Too low | 200–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| East Fork Jarbidge River | 2 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Cottonwood Cr | 2 cfs | Too low | 12–172 cfstypical | III-IV |
About Nevada river runs
What does whitewater class mean?
The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.
Where does the Nevada streamflow data come from?
USGS streamgauges. Each Nevada paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.
What's a runnable level?
Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Nevada paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.
Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?
Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.
Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?
No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.