Paddle Report

Tunnel Run (Ralston Powerhouse To Greenwood) river run

Nonesnoflofeaturesnoflofeaturesnoflofeaturesnoflofeaturesnoflofeature, USA American River, Middle Fork 16.5 mi long Class IV- TO IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
200%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
Optimal low
700cfs
Optimal high
3,000cfs
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Tunnel Run (Ralston Powerhouse To Greenwood) -- Nonesnoflofeaturesnoflofeaturesnoflofeaturesnoflofeaturesnoflofeature paddle run
Tunnel Run (Ralston Powerhouse To Greenwood) Nonesnoflofeaturesnoflofeaturesnoflofeaturesnoflofeaturesnoflofeature · American River, Middle Fork
About this run

Tunnel Run (Ralston Powerhouse To Greenwood)

The Tunnel Run section of the American River in California is a Class III-IV river run, with a total distance of 7.5 miles from Ralston Powerhouse to Greenwood. This section features a number of challenging rapids, including the infamous "Tunnel Chute" and "Chamberlin Falls." It is best to float this section in the spring months, when the snowmelt provides enough water flow to make the rapids more manageable. The recommended flow for this section is between 1,000 and 2,000 cfs. It is important for rafters and kayakers to be experienced and skilled in navigating Class III-IV rapids, as the Tunnel Run section can be dangerous for beginners.
StateNonesnoflofeaturesnoflofeaturesnoflofeaturesnoflofeaturesnoflofeature
RiverAmerican River, Middle Fork
Run length16.5 mi
Gradient23 fpm
ClassIV- TO IV
Optimal range700 — 3,000 cfs
Current flow--
Percent of normal200%
StreamgageUSGS 11427000
Latitude39.0061°
Longitude-120.7473°
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 Tunnel Run (Ralston Powerhouse To Greenwood) -- 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 Tunnel Run (Ralston Powerhouse To Greenwood) 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 Tunnel Run (Ralston Powerhouse To Greenwood)

What's the optimal flow for Tunnel Run (Ralston Powerhouse To Greenwood)?

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 Tunnel Run (Ralston Powerhouse To Greenwood).

Premium feature

Favorites and custom alerts are part of Snoflo Premium. Save runs, set discharge thresholds, and get push notifications when flows hit your window.

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Manage alerts in the Snoflo app

Custom push alerts are configured in the iOS app -- favorite this run, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me at 600 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.

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