Air Quality Alert
None

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has issued a Code Orange Ground Level Ozone Action Day for the Upstate region region of South Carolina, until midnight EDT tonight. An ozone action day means that atmospheric conditions will likely produce unhealthy concentrations of ground level ozone air pollution. A Code Orange forecast indicates that ground level ozone concentrations are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, which includes people with lung disease, older adults, and children. Sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, and do less intense activities, especially during afternoon and early evening hours. You can help prevent ozone pollution by walking or riding your bicycle, taking your lunch to work, reducing idling, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned. For additional information, please visit the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services website at http://www.des.sc.gov/ozone or the Environmental Protection Agency AirNow website at https://www.airnow.gov.

Paddle Report

South-Carolina

Last Updated: 2026-04-22

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The Whitewater River in South Carolina is a popular destination for paddlers looking for a challenging and scenic run.

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 200-500 cfs, which provides enough water to navigate the rapids without being too high and dangerous.

The class rating for this section of the Whitewater River varies between Class II and Class IV depending on the water level and the specific rapids. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 8.5 miles, starting just upstream of Townes Creek and ending at the confluence with Kings Creek.

Some of the notable rapids and obstacles on this section of the Whitewater River include "Jump Start," "Rodeo Hole," and "Gorilla," which is a Class IV rapid that requires expert skills to navigate safely.

There are specific regulations that paddlers must follow when navigating this section of the Whitewater River. For example, paddlers must wear personal flotation devices at all times, and no alcohol or drugs are allowed on the river. Additionally, paddlers must respect private property and avoid trespassing.

Sources for this information include American Whitewater and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Overall, the Whitewater River run beginning just upstream of Townes Creek, Wash Branch, and Crane Creek to the confluence with Kings Creek is a challenging and exciting adventure for experienced paddlers.

Regional Streamflow Levels

Chattooga River Near Clayton 264.0cfs	264cfs
Twelvemile Creek Near Liberty 49.4cfs	49cfs
French Broad River At Rosman 81.7cfs	82cfs
Tallulah River Ab Powerhouse 38.6cfs	39cfs
Little Tennessee River Near Prentiss 169.0cfs	169cfs
Cartoogechaye Creek Near Franklin 261cfs	261cfs

15-Day Long Term Forecast

River Run Details

Last Updated	2026-04-22
River Levels	408 cfs (1.57 ft)
Percent of Normal	28%
Status
Class Level	ii-iv
Elevation	ft
Streamflow Discharge	cfs
Gauge Height	ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 02177000

Explore Interactive Map

Air Quality Alert
Until 2026-04-24T00:00:00-04:00 • National Weather Service
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has issued a Code Orange Ground Level Ozone Action Day for the Upstate region region of South Carolina, until midnight EDT tonight. An ozone action day means that atmospheric conditions will likely produce unhealthy concentrations of ground level ozone air pollution. A Code Orange forecast indicates that ground level ozone concentrations are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, which includes people with lung disease, older adults, and children. Sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, and do less intense activities, especially during afternoon and early evening hours. You can help prevent ozone pollution by walking or riding your bicycle, taking your lunch to work, reducing idling, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned. For additional information, please visit the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services website at http://www.des.sc.gov/ozone or the Environmental Protection Agency AirNow website at https://www.airnow.gov.