Paddle Report

Nooksack Falls Diversion Dam To Nooksack Falls Power Plant 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
59%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Nooksack Falls Diversion Dam To Nooksack Falls Power Plant -- Washington paddle run
Nooksack Falls Diversion Dam To Nooksack Falls Power Plant Washington · North Fork Nooksack River
About this run

Nooksack Falls Diversion Dam To Nooksack Falls Power Plant

The Nooksack Falls Diversion Dam to Nooksack Falls Power Plant on the Whitewater River in Washington is a popular run among kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 800-1500 cfs, although it is possible to run the river at higher and lower flows. The section of the river is rated Class III-IV, which means it has moderate to difficult rapids and obstacles. The segment mileage for the run is approximately 4 miles, and it takes around 2-3 hours to complete.

Some of the notable rapids on this run include Boulder Drop, Picket Fence, and Carnage. Boulder Drop is a Class IV rapid that requires precise maneuvering to avoid rocks and navigate the tight channel. Picket Fence is a Class III rapid that features a series of large boulders and small drops. Carnage is a Class III+ rapid that has a steep drop and a large hole at the bottom.

There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a permit requirement for commercial outfitters, a limit of 20 people per group, and a requirement to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times. Additionally, boaters are required to carry a first aid kit, a spare paddle, and a whistle. It is important to note that the area can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken, and it is recommended that only experienced paddlers attempt this run.

StateWashington
RiverNorth Fork Nooksack River
ClassIII-IV
Elevation1,298 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal59%
StreamgageUSGS 12205000
Latitude48.9062°
Longitude-121.8193°
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 Diversion Dam To Nooksack Falls Power Plant -- 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 Diversion Dam To Nooksack Falls Power Plant 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 Diversion Dam To Nooksack Falls Power Plant

What's the optimal flow for Nooksack Falls Diversion Dam To Nooksack Falls Power Plant?

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.