Paddle Report

Nooksack Falls Power Plant To Fish Hatchery Near Kendall, Wa river run

Washington, USA North Fork Nooksack River 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
1,500cfs
Optimal high
3,000cfs
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Nooksack Falls Power Plant To Fish Hatchery Near Kendall, Wa -- Washington paddle run
Nooksack Falls Power Plant To Fish Hatchery Near Kendall, Wa Washington · North Fork Nooksack River
About this run

Nooksack Falls Power Plant To Fish Hatchery Near Kendall, Wa

The Nooksack River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting enthusiasts in Washington State. The Nooksack Falls Power Plant to Fish Hatchery near Kendall, WA is a highly sought-after segment of the river. The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 1500-3000 cfs. The class rating for this segment is a Class III-IV, with several rapids and obstacles along the way. The segment mileage is approximately 8 miles, starting at the Nooksack Falls Power Plant and ending at the Fish Hatchery.

There are several notable rapids and obstacles along this segment, including "Rock Garden," "Pinball," and "Meat Grinder." The "Rock Garden" is a Class III rapid that requires precise maneuvering through a maze of boulders. "Pinball" is a Class IV rapid that features a narrow channel with numerous rocks and drops. "Meat Grinder" is another Class IV rapid that includes a wave train followed by several large boulders.

There are specific regulations in place for this segment of the river. Rafters must wear a life jacket and helmet at all times while on the river. Additionally, no alcohol or drugs are allowed on the river, and littering is strictly prohibited. Rafters must also obtain a permit from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife before launching their rafts.

Overall, the Nooksack Falls Power Plant to Fish Hatchery segment is a challenging and exciting whitewater run for experienced rafters. It is important to follow all regulations and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
StateWashington
RiverNorth Fork Nooksack River
ClassIII-IV
Elevation426 ft
Optimal range1500 — 3,000 cfs
Current flow--
StreamgageUSGS 12206900
Latitude48.8921°
Longitude-122.1454°
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 Nooksack Falls Power Plant To Fish Hatchery Near Kendall, Wa -- 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 Nooksack Falls Power Plant To Fish Hatchery Near Kendall, Wa 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 Nooksack Falls Power Plant To Fish Hatchery Near Kendall, Wa

What's the optimal flow for Nooksack Falls Power Plant To Fish Hatchery Near Kendall, Wa?

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.