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 section is between 800-2,500 cfs, offering a challenging yet manageable experience for advanced paddlers. This section is rated as Class III-IV, with some sections reaching Class V at higher water levels.
The segment covers a distance of 6.5 miles, with a variety of rapids and obstacles throughout. The first mile is characterized by steep drops and technical rapids, followed by a more mellow section before reaching the main attraction – a series of Class IV-V rapids known as the “Toilet Bowl” and “Gash.”
It is important to note that this section of the river is located within the Willamette National Forest and is subject to specific regulations. Visitors must obtain a Northwest Forest Pass to park at the Battle Axe Creek Trailhead and are required to pack out all trash and waste. Additionally, camping is only permitted in designated areas.
Overall, the Battle Axe Creek to Willamette National Forest Boundary section of the Whitewater River is a thrilling and scenic run for experienced paddlers, but caution should be taken and regulations followed to ensure a safe and respectful experience for all.
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River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2026-02-07 |
| River Levels | 1320 cfs (3.11 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 37% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 14181500 |
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Santiam River At Niagara
|
1040cfs |
Bull Creek Near Wilhoit
|
2cfs |
Little North Santiam River Near Mehama
|
728cfs |
Breitenbush R Abv French Cr Nr Detroit
|
492cfs |
North Santiam River At Mehama
|
2320cfs |
No Santiam R Blw Boulder Crk
|
855cfs |
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Shady Cove Campground
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Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site
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Santiam Horse Camp
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Butte Creek campground
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Fishermens Bend
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Fishermens Bend Recreation Site
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Packsaddle Park
Battle Axe Creek To Willamette Nf Boundary
Little North Santiam River
Packsaddle County Park to Mill City
North Santiam River
Opal Lake To Confluence With Battle Axe Creek
Confluence With North Fork Breitenbush River To Detroit Reservoir
Table Rock Wilderness
Santiam State Forest
Wilderness Opal Creek
North Santiam State Recreation Area
Detroit Lake State Recreation Area