Another active weather pattern with a moderately strong atmospheric river is expected in the Cascades, especially the Washington Cascades, beginning Monday and Tuesday. Moderate to heavy rain is possible at the Cascade crest with amounts decreasing away from the crest. By Tuesday night, snow levels drop to around 2500 feet and mountain rain will turn over to snow. Snoqualmie Pass and White Pass have a 45 to 65 percent chance of 2 feet of snow from Tuesday through Thursday night, while Santiam Pass has a 30 percent chance of 2 feet of snow in the same period. This precipitation will lead to river rises and potential additional flooding on the Yakima and Naches Rivers as well as an increased risk of rock and mud slides in areas of steep terrain and near burn scars. However, the transition to snow is expected to keep flooding at lower levels than the past few days. While the Yakima and Naches Rivers are forecast to reach minor flood stage by Tuesday and Wednesday, other rivers in the area are expected to remain below bankfull. Also, windy conditions are expected Tuesday night and Wednesday which may lead to difficult mountain driving conditions. Those living or having travel plans through the Cascades should be prepared for impactful weather next week.
The river is full of obstacles such as rapids and rocks, making it a Class III-IV rapid difficulty level. The best time to float this section of water is during the summer months when the water flow is around 1,500 to 2,000 cfs. Rafters should be prepared to navigate through rapids such as Big Eddy, Lava Island Falls, and Dillon Falls. Overall, this river run provides an exciting and scenic experience for those looking for a challenging adventure on the water.
| Last Updated | 2023-06-13 |
| River Levels | 771 cfs (2.84 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 91% |
| Optimal Range | 800-3000 cfs |
| Status | Runnable |
| Class Level | V- to V+ |
| Elevation | 1,951 ft |
| Run Length | 2.5 Mi |
| Gradient | 43 FPM |
| Streamflow Discharge | 923 cfs |
| Gauge Height | 3.2 ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 14076500 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Big River Campground/Big River Group
|
||
Big River
|
||
Swamp Wells - Horse Camp
|
||
Swamp Wells
|