New York river runs
Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in New York with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.
When planning your whitewater adventure in New York, it's important to consider the streamflow levels to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. The ideal streamflow for the Black River is between 1,300-2,000 cubic feet per second, while the Moose River is best tackled at 1,200-1,800 cfs. The Hudson River Gorge is typically best around 4,000-6,000 cfs. It's also recommended to check the water levels and weather conditions before heading out, and to always wear appropriate safety gear such as a helmet and life jacket. So grab your paddle and get ready for an unforgettable whitewater experience in the beautiful state of New York!
New York river runs
Every paddleable section in New York keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.
| River run | Streamflow | Class |
|---|---|---|
| The Headwaters To Sweeney Road | 170 cfs | III-IV |
| Sweeney Road To Osceola Road (Swancott Mills Bridge) | 765 cfs | II-III+ |
| Boyd Dam To Palmer Road (Bridge) | 499 cfs | II-III |
| Palmer Road To Confluence With West Branch | 499 cfs | · |
| Ny/Vt State Line To Arlington, Vt | 898 cfs | · |
About New York 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 New York streamflow data come from?
USGS streamgauges. Each New York 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 New York 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.