Paddle Report

Headwaters At Josephine Lake To Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary river run

Washington, USA Icicle Creek Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
69%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Headwaters At Josephine Lake To Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary -- Washington paddle run
Headwaters At Josephine Lake To Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary Washington · Icicle Creek
About this run

Headwaters At Josephine Lake To Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary

The Whitewater River Run from Headwaters at Josephine Lake to Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary is a thrilling rafting experience in the state of Washington. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 300-1200 cfs, with the higher end of the range providing more challenging rapids. The class rating for this run is class III-IV, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers.

The segment mileage for this run is approximately 6 miles, with several notable rapids and obstacles along the way. One such rapid is known as "Pinball," which features a series of boulder-strewn drops and can be challenging to navigate. Another obstacle is "The Notch," a narrow channel with a steep drop that requires precise maneuvering.

There are specific regulations to be aware of when rafting in this area. Permits are required for all overnight trips, and visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the environment. Additionally, motorized watercraft are not allowed on this section of the river.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run from Headwaters at Josephine Lake to Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary offers a challenging and exhilarating rafting experience for those with the skills and experience to tackle its rapids. Safety should always be a top priority, and visitors should be aware of the specific regulations and guidelines for this area to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
StateWashington
RiverIcicle Creek
ClassIII-IV
Elevation1,435 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal69%
StreamgageUSGS 12458000
Latitude47.6156°
Longitude-120.9535°
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 At Josephine Lake To Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary -- 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 At Josephine Lake To Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary 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 At Josephine Lake To Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters At Josephine Lake To Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary?

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.