Paddle Report

Bear Canyon river run

Utah, USA Bear Canyon Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Optimal low
350cfs
Optimal high
1,000cfs
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Bear Canyon -- Utah paddle run
Bear Canyon Utah · Bear Canyon
About this run

Bear Canyon

Bear Canyon is a popular whitewater river run located in the state of Utah. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 350 and 1000 cfs. The classification of the river is Class III-IV, making it a challenging adventure for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 5 miles.

There are several specific river rapids and obstacles on the Bear Canyon run, including the Entrance Rapid, the Ledges, and the Pumphouse Drop. The Entrance Rapid is a Class IV rapid that requires careful maneuvering through a narrow chute. The Ledges is a series of Class III rapids that provide a fun and bumpy ride. The Pumphouse Drop is a Class III+ rapid that requires a quick and precise maneuver to avoid a large boulder in the middle of the river.

There are specific regulations for this area that paddlers should be aware of. All paddlers are required to wear proper safety equipment, including a helmet and a personal flotation device. Additionally, there are restrictions on camping and fires in the area, so paddlers should plan accordingly.

Overall, Bear Canyon is a challenging and thrilling whitewater river run that offers paddlers a unique adventure in the beautiful state of Utah. Proper preparation and adherence to regulations are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
StateUtah
RiverBear Canyon
ClassIII-IV
Elevation5,229 ft
Optimal range350 — 1,000 cfs
Current flow--
StreamgageUSGS 09314280
Latitude39.5699°
Longitude-110.1414°
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 Bear Canyon -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.

Around the run

Plan a longer trip

The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.

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 Bear Canyon 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 Bear Canyon

What's the optimal flow for Bear Canyon?

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 Bear Canyon.