Pennsylvania river runs
Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Pennsylvania with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.
When planning your whitewater adventure in Pennsylvania, it's important to consider streamflow levels to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The ideal streamflow levels for the Youghiogheny River are between 2.5-4 feet for the Lower Yough section and above 2.5 feet for the Upper Yough section. For the Lehigh River, the optimal streamflow levels range from 700-2,000 cubic feet per second. Remember to always check current streamflow conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, and ensure you have the appropriate gear and skills for the river's difficulty level. With its diverse range of river runs and stunning landscapes, Pennsylvania offers endless opportunities for whitewater enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the thrill of paddling through its waters.
Pennsylvania river runs
Every paddleable section in Pennsylvania keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.
| River run | Streamflow | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Blackwell, Pennsylvania To Short Mountain Gap Near Torbert, Pennsylvania | 1,190 cfs | II-III |
| Begins Below The Youghiogheny River Lake Dam In Confluence, Pennsylvania To Ends In South Connellsville, Pennsylvania | 497 cfs | III-II |
| Howe Bridge (Tr 342), Clarion County To Confluence With Piney Reservoir | 3,260 cfs | II-III |
About Pennsylvania river runs
What does whitewater class mean?
The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.
Where does the Pennsylvania streamflow data come from?
USGS streamgauges. Each Pennsylvania paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.
What's a runnable level?
Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Pennsylvania paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.
Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?
Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.
Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?
No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.