Paddle Report

Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary To Slack Water Of Ross Lake river run

Washington, USA Ruby Creek 1.0 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
147%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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 Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary To  Slack Water Of Ross Lake -- Washington paddle run
Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary To Slack Water Of Ross Lake Washington · Ruby Creek
About this run

Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary To Slack Water Of Ross Lake

The Whitewater River Run in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary to the Slack Water Of Ross Lake in Washington state is a popular destination for kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 1,000 and 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). This range provides the necessary water flow for an exciting and challenging experience, while also ensuring safety.

The class rating for the Whitewater River Run is Class III-IV. This means that the rapids and obstacles are moderately difficult and require intermediate skills to navigate. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 5 miles, which takes around 2-3 hours to complete.

Some of the specific rapids and obstacles that kayakers and rafters will encounter on this run include the "S-Bends," "The Notch," and "The Last Drop." These rapids are known for their technical challenges and require precise maneuvering to safely navigate.

There are specific regulations in place for the Whitewater River Run. All visitors must obtain a backcountry permit, and there are restrictions on the number of people allowed in a group. Additionally, visitors must follow leave-no-trace principles and pack out all trash.

In summary, the Whitewater River Run in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary to the Slack Water Of Ross Lake is a thrilling and challenging experience for kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range is between 1,000 and 3,000 cfs, and the class rating is III-IV. The segment mileage is approximately 5 miles, and visitors will encounter specific rapids and obstacles such as the "S-Bends," "The Notch," and "The Last Drop." Finally, visitors must follow specific regulations, including obtaining a backcountry permit, limiting group size, and packing out all trash.
StateWashington
RiverRuby Creek
Run length1.0 mi
ClassIII-IV
Elevation1,401 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal147%
StreamgageUSGS 12175500
Latitude48.7065°
Longitude-120.9596°
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 Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary To Slack Water Of Ross Lake -- 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 Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary To Slack Water Of Ross Lake 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 Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary To Slack Water Of Ross Lake

What's the optimal flow for Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary To Slack Water Of Ross Lake?

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.