Paddle Report

Begins Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) To Confluence With Skagit River river run

Washington, USA Newhalem Creek 8.0 mi long Class III-IV
Today high
--
Tonight low
--
Current flow
--
% of normal
145%
Loading current conditions…
Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
--
Streamflow history loading…
Loading next 24 hours…
Loading 7-day outlook…
Begins Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) To  Confluence With Skagit River -- Washington paddle run
Begins Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) To Confluence With Skagit River Washington · Newhalem Creek
About this run

Begins Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) To Confluence With Skagit River

The Whitewater River run begins upstream of the Diversion Dam (Rm 1) and flows for a total of 10.6 miles until it reaches the confluence with the Skagit River in the state of Washington. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 800-2000 cfs. This flow range provides the best conditions for Class III rapids, which are the main feature of this run. The class rating for this run is Class III-IV.

The segment mileage of the Whitewater River run is broken down into three major sections. The first section, which is 1.5 miles long, is rated as Class II-III. The second section is the longest, at 5.5 miles, and contains the most challenging rapids, rated as Class III-IV. The final section, which is 3.6 miles long, is rated as Class II-III.

Several specific river rapids and obstacles require careful attention on this run. The most notable rapids include the "Flush," "Upper and Lower Zigzag," "Texas Creek Rapid," "Twin Bridges Rapid," "Boulder Drop," and "Final Rapid." Additionally, there are several strainers and sweepers that need to be avoided throughout the run.

Specific regulations to the area include a required permit from the local ranger station. Additionally, boaters must adhere to minimum impact practices, such as packing out all trash and avoiding camping within 200 feet of waterways. Finally, boaters must respect any private property along the river and obtain permission before accessing it.
StateWashington
RiverNewhalem Creek
Run length8.0 mi
ClassIII-IV
Elevation492 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal145%
StreamgageUSGS 12178000
Latitude48.6651°
Longitude-121.2556°
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.

Loading hourly forecast…
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
Loading detailed forecast…
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.

Loading 15-day outlook…
Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Begins Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) To Confluence With Skagit River -- 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 Begins Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) To Confluence With Skagit River 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 Begins Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) To Confluence With Skagit River

What's the optimal flow for Begins Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) To Confluence With Skagit River?

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.