Paddle Report

Source To Red Butte Reservoir river run

Utah, USA Red Butte Creek Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
47%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Source To Red Butte Reservoir -- Utah paddle run
Source To Red Butte Reservoir Utah · Red Butte Creek
About this run

Source To Red Butte Reservoir

The Whitewater River Run from Source to Red Butte Reservoir in Utah is a thrilling adventure for experienced kayakers and rafters alike. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 300-800 cfs, with higher flow levels increasing the difficulty of rapids. The Class III-IV rating of this run includes exciting rapids such as Jaws and Big Kahuna, as well as challenging obstacles like the Pinball and S-Turns.

The segment mileage of this run is approximately 6 miles, with a put-in point at the Source and a take-out point at the Red Butte Reservoir. Along the way, kayakers and rafters will encounter a variety of rapids and obstacles, including steep drops, tight chutes, and powerful hydraulic features.

To ensure the safety of all participants, there are specific regulations in place for the Whitewater River Run. All participants must wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets and life jackets. Additionally, all participants must have prior experience with Class III-IV rapids and be able to successfully navigate difficult obstacles.

In conclusion, the Whitewater River Run from Source to Red Butte Reservoir is an exciting and challenging adventure for experienced kayakers and rafters. With a Class III-IV rating, specific streamflow range, and challenging obstacles, this run requires skill and experience to complete safely. However, with proper safety gear and adherence to regulations, this run can provide an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers.
StateUtah
RiverRed Butte Creek
ClassIII-IV
Elevation5,416 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal47%
StreamgageUSGS 10172200
Latitude40.7856°
Longitude-111.7949°
Detailed forecast

Plan your run down to the hour

Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.

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Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Source To Red Butte Reservoir -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.

Whitewater safety

Check the flow before you run
Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
Know your skill ceiling
Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
Wear the right gear
Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
Scout, set safety, and run with a team
Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
Respect the river
Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.

Set push alerts in the Snoflo app

Save Source To Red Butte Reservoir as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.

FAQ

About Source To Red Butte Reservoir

What's the optimal flow for Source To Red Butte Reservoir?

The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.

How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?

The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.

What's the whitewater class?

See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.

Where do I put in / take out?

Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.

Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?

Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.

More river runs

Other runs near here

Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Source To Red Butte Reservoir.