Paddle Report

Cottonwood Cr river run

Nevada, USA Cottonwood Cr Class III-IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
26%
Loading current conditions…
Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
Streamflow history loading…
Loading next 24 hours…
Loading 7-day outlook…
Cottonwood Cr -- Nevada paddle run
Cottonwood Cr Nevada · Cottonwood Cr
About this run

Cottonwood Cr

The Cottonwood Creek in Nevada is a popular whitewater river run for kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 300-500 cfs, which provides a challenging but manageable experience. The river is rated as Class III-IV, which means that it is appropriate for experienced paddlers who are comfortable with technical maneuvers in fast-moving water.

The segment mileage for this river run is approximately 8 miles, and it features a variety of challenging rapids and obstacles. Some of the notable rapids on this stretch of the river include the “Graveyard,” “Cottonwood Falls,” and “The Dentist.” Each of these rapids presents a unique challenge for paddlers, ranging from steep drops to narrow channels and powerful hydraulics.

There are specific regulations that apply to the Cottonwood Creek river run. All paddlers are required to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) at all times while on the river, and it is recommended that they also wear helmets. There are also restrictions on the use of alcohol and drugs while on the river, and all paddlers must adhere to these rules to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Overall, the Cottonwood Creek river run offers a challenging and exciting whitewater experience for experienced paddlers. With its Class III-IV rating and variety of rapids and obstacles, it provides an excellent opportunity for kayakers and rafters to push themselves to their limits and enjoy the thrill of whitewater paddling in Nevada.
StateNevada
RiverCottonwood Cr
ClassIII-IV
Elevation4,554 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal26%
StreamgageUSGS 10352500
Latitude42.1527°
Longitude-118.0039°
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.

Loading hourly forecast…
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
Loading detailed forecast…
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.

Loading 15-day outlook…
Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Cottonwood Cr -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.

Around the run

Plan a longer trip

The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.

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 Cottonwood Cr 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 Cottonwood Cr

What's the optimal flow for Cottonwood Cr?

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 Cottonwood Cr.