2026-02-20T04:00:00-08:00
...A SERIES OF WEAK SYSTEMS WILL BRING WIDESPREAD SNOW TO THE NORTHERN OREGON AND SOUTHERN WASHINGTON COAST AND CASCADE RANGES THROUGH AT LEAST THURSDAY NIGHT... .A broad area of low pressure will continue to bring widespread snow showers to elevations above 1500 ft through at least Thursday night. Give the showery nature of the precipitation and uncertainty as to the exact track of the Wednesday night system, there is some variability in forecast total snow fall accumulations through Thursday night. While the forecast remains on track for overall snowfall totals, where exactly the highest accumulations remain in flux. * WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches through Wednesday night and another 2 to 4 inches of snow Thursday morning through Thursday night. * WHERE...South Washington Cascades and the Northern and Central Cascades of Oregon. * WHEN...Until 4 AM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 800-1,200 cfs. The class rating for this run is Class III-IV, which means it is suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 4 miles.
There are specific river rapids and obstacles that paddlers should be aware of, including Devil's Hole, Jaws, and the S-Turns. Devil's Hole is a Class IV rapid that features a large boulder in the middle of the river. Jaws is a Class III+ rapid with a large hole that can flip rafts. The S-Turns is a series of Class III rapids that require precise navigation.
There are also specific regulations to the area that paddlers should be aware of. The use of motorized boats is prohibited on this stretch of the river, and all boaters are required to wear personal flotation devices. Additionally, camping is not permitted along the riverbank, and all trash must be properly disposed of.
In conclusion, the Whitewater River Run from Opal Lake to Confluence with Battle Axe Creek in Oregon is a thrilling adventure for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The ideal streamflow range, class rating, segment mileage, specific river rapids/obstacles, and specific regulations to the area make it a safe and enjoyable experience for those who are prepared and properly equipped.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2026-02-07 |
| River Levels | 306 cfs (3.16 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 54% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 14179000 |
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Shady Cove Campground
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Bagby Campground
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Detroit Lake State Park Campground
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Humbug Campground
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Piety Island Campground
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Fox Creek Group Campground
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Elk Lake Campgound
Opal Lake To Confluence With Battle Axe Creek
Battle Axe Creek To Willamette Nf Boundary
North Santiam River
Confluence With North Fork Breitenbush River To Detroit Reservoir
Little North Santiam River
Packsaddle County Park to Mill City
Wilderness Bull of the Woods
Table Rock Wilderness
Santiam State Forest
Detroit Lake State Recreation Area
Detroit Lake- Mongold Wayside