Paddle Report

Headwaters To Ends Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) river run

Washington, USA Newhalem Creek 8.0 mi long Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
57%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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 Headwaters To Ends Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) -- Washington paddle run
Headwaters To Ends Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) Washington · Newhalem Creek
About this run

Headwaters To Ends Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1)

The Whitewater River Run Headwaters to Ends Upstream of the Diversion Dam (Rm 1) in the state of Washington is a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 1,500-4,500 cubic feet per second (cfs), which provides Class III-IV rapids. The total segment mileage is 7.2 miles, with a gradient of 87 feet per mile. The rapids on this segment include Corkscrew, Rattlesnake, and Kautz Creek Falls.

Specific regulations to the area include a required permit for all commercial and private rafters, which can be obtained through the National Park Service. Additionally, all boaters are required to wear appropriate personal flotation devices (PFDs) and follow Leave No Trace principles. The area is also designated as a Wild and Scenic River, which means that certain restrictions apply, such as no motorized boats and limited group size.

It is important to note that the Whitewater River Run can be dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced whitewater paddlers. Water levels can change rapidly, and there are many hazards, including undercut rocks and strainers. It is recommended that boaters scout the rapids before attempting them and that they paddle with a group of experienced paddlers.

Sources:

- National Park Service. (n.d.). Whitewater River Run. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/whitewater-river-run.htm

- American Whitewater. (n.d.). Whitewater River - Headwaters to Ends Upstream of the Diversion Dam (Rm 1), Washington. Retrieved from https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1824/
StateWashington
RiverNewhalem Creek
Run length8.0 mi
ClassIII-IV
Elevation447 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal57%
StreamgageUSGS 12179900
Latitude48.5794°
Longitude-121.1910°
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 Headwaters To Ends Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) -- 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 Headwaters To Ends Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) 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 Headwaters To Ends Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1)

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Ends Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1)?

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.