HEADWATERS- INCLUDES ALL TRIBUTARIES WITHIN PARK TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK BOUNDARY
River Runs • Kayaking • Whitewater
November 21, 2024
National Weather Service • Until 2024-11-21T16:15:00-08:00
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of northwest Washington, including the following county, Mason. * WHEN...Through late Friday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - The Skokomish River in Mason County will remain around a half foot within flood stage today with minor flooding possible on Friday. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
SUMMARY
| Last Updated | 2024-11-21 |
| River Levels | 553 cfs (3.94 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 114% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | v-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Run Length | 1.0 Mi |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage |
USGS 12056500 |
The Whitewater River run begins at the Headwaters in Olympic National Park and includes all tributaries within the park to the park boundary in the state of Washington. The ideal streamflow range for this run varies depending on the segment, but generally ranges from 400-1000 cubic feet per second (cfs) for the upper section and 1000-3000 cfs for the middle and lower sections. The class rating ranges from II-IV, with some sections reaching class V during high water.
The segment mileage for the run is approximately 18 miles. Some notable rapids and obstacles include Boulder Drop, a class IV rapid with a large boulder in the middle of the river, and the Narrows, a class IV+ rapid with a narrow channel and multiple obstacles.
Specific regulations to the area include a permit requirement for overnight camping within Olympic National Park. Additionally, all boaters are required to have a valid Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Boater Education Card.
Sources:
- American Whitewater: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1125/
- National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/whitewater-boating.htm
- Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: https://parks.state.wa.us/Boating/BoaterCard/
