2026-01-08T10:00:00-08:00
Two fronts will bring impactful winter weather to the area. The first overnight, and the second Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning. Snow levels of 4500 feet will fall to 3500 feet overnight. Then, snow levels begin at 3000 feet Wednesday afternoon before falling as low as 1500 feet on Thursday morning, with significant snow for west side areas and northern Klamath County at elevations above 2000 feet. * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 8 to 24 inches, with 18 to 24 inches in Crater Lake National Park, 10 to 15 inches at Lake of the Woods, 8 to 12 inches over Mount Ashland ski park, and 3 to 6 inches over Siskiyou Summit. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph over high and exposed terrain. Snow will be heaviest overnight through around 6 AM PST Wednesday, and especially from 1 PM PST Wednesday through 1 AM PST Thursday. * WHERE...The southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains. Including the locations of...Crescent Lake, Diamond Lake, Union Creek, Howard Prairie. This also includes the following passes or notable locations... Siskiyou Pass on I-5 at 4310 ft. Lake of the Woods on 140 at 5070 ft. Diamond Lake Junction on state highways 230 & 138 at 4478 ft. Mt. Ashland ski road and lodge at 6500 ft. Caves National Monument near highway 46 at 4000 ft. Willamette Pass on state highway 58 at 5090 ft. * WHEN...Until 10 AM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Travel may be very difficult to impossible. Road or highway closures are possible with feet of snow accumulation. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Probability of snow accumulation between 4 PM Tuesday to 4 PM Thursday. Probabilities don't always overlap the hazard's time range. Location >= >= >= >= 2in 8in 12in 18in -------- ---- ---- ---- ---- Siskiyou 78% 4% 0% 0% Pass Lake of 100% 54% 44% 35% the Woods Diamond 100% 99% 67% 42% Lake Junction Mt. A 100% 37% 15% 0% Lodge Crater 100% 97% 66% 44% Lake Visit weather.gov/mfr/winter for additional snow probabilities
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for the Big Butte Creek is between 200-400 cfs, which can be checked on the USGS website. The river is rated as a Class III-IV rapids run, and the segment mileage is approximately 6.5 miles.
The Big Butte creek features several challenging rapids such as the popular "Boxcar" rapid, which features a steep drop and turbulent water. Other notable rapids include "Fowler's" and "Cave Man."
There are specific regulations in place for the Big Butte Creek, including the requirement of a permit from the Bureau of Land Management, which can be obtained online. Additionally, there are restrictions on camping and fires in the area to protect the natural environment.
According to American Whitewater, the Big Butte Creek is a "hidden gem" that offers a scenic and thrilling river run for experienced whitewater enthusiasts. With its challenging rapids and stunning natural beauty, the Big Butte Creek is definitely worth a visit for those looking for an adrenaline rush on the water.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 2770 cfs (4.18 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 105% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 14339000 |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Fork Rogue River Near Prospect
|
146cfs |
Rogue River Below Prospect
|
1430cfs |
Big Butte Creek Near Mcleod
|
252cfs |
Rogue R At Cole M Rivers F Hatchery Nr Mcleod
|
1740cfs |
Rogue River Near Mcleod
|
2280cfs |
Rogue River Above Prospect
|
860cfs |
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Whiskey Springs
|
||
Fourbit Ford Campground
|
||
Fourbit Ford
|
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Whiskey Springs Campground
|
||
Parker Meadows Campground
|
||
Parker Meadows
|
Big Butte Creek (Incl South Fork Big Butte Creek)