Paddle Report

Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence With Long Creek river run

Washington, USA Fairchild Creek 11.0 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
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Optimal low
5cfs
Optimal high
2,000cfs
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 Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries To  Confluence With Long Creek -- Washington paddle run
Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence With Long Creek Washington · Fairchild Creek
About this run

Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence With Long Creek

The Whitewater River Run in Washington State encompasses the headwaters and all tributaries to the confluence with Long Creek. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 800 and 2000 cubic feet per second, which provides a thrilling ride while still maintaining a safe level of difficulty. The river is rated as a class III-IV, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The segment mileage for this river run is approximately 8.5 miles long, with multiple challenging rapids and obstacles such as Widowmaker, Shark's Tooth, and the famous Toilet Bowl.

It is important to note that this river is located within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and is subject to specific regulations. According to the National Forest Service, all boaters must obtain a permit before launching and are required to practice Leave No Trace principles. Additionally, there are restrictions on the use of motorized boats, camping, and campfires along the river. The Forest Service also advises boaters to be aware of changing weather conditions, as flash floods and thunderstorms are common in the area.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run offers a challenging and exciting experience for experienced paddlers. It is crucial to follow the rules and regulations set by the National Forest Service to ensure the safety of both the participants and the natural environment.
StateWashington
RiverFairchild Creek
Run length11.0 mi
ClassIII-IV
Elevation624 ft
Optimal range5 — 2,000 cfs
Current flow--
StreamgageUSGS 12044900
Latitude47.8941°
Longitude-123.6225°
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 And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence With Long Creek -- 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 And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence With Long Creek 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 And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence With Long Creek

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence With Long Creek?

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.