2023 California Rafting Season Update

Real-Time Flow Reports for California Rivers

Last Updated on Wednesday, May 17, 2023

This page features real-time flow data and other helpful information about 10 of California's best whitewater rafting rivers.

2023 will be an amazing year for whitewater rafting in California! This season will have something for everyone looking to get on the river whether you are experienced and adventurous, or an apprehensive first-timer interested in an easier Class II-III rafting trip.

A drought-busting stream of winter storms has provided California with full reservoirs and plenty of water stored in snow that will be melting throughout spring and early summer. This all means more whitewater and longer rafting season...good news for anyone wanting to experience California rivers at their best.

Thanks to a well above average snowpack, all rivers will have higher than normal flows during the springtime months of April, May, and June. River flows will range from Moderately-High to High (and possibly Very High at times) and because they are dependent on a variety of factors, it is important to anticipate changing conditions and be flexible when making trip plans. Participants rafting during this time should be competent swimmers, adventurous, active, and not overweight. Minimum recommended age may be increased on trips taking place at higher flows. Springtime 2023 will be an exciting time on California rivers and we can’t wait to share the rivers with our guests.

Those looking for rafting at normal flows have a lot to look forward to as well this year! Once the river flows return to normal levels sometime during the summertime months (specific time will vary by river), we will have trip options ranging from mild Class I-II float trips on the easy section of the South Fork American up to Advanced Class V rafting on Cherry Creek.

For more specific information about each river’s season predictions, see the individual river sections below or contact us - depending on what you are looking for (Beginner-Intermediate or more Advanced) we will be happy to help you find the best trip and time of year to raft for your group.

We are watching snowpack in the Sierra carefully and will update this page regularly in the coming months.

To stay connected and up-to-date on all California river flow information, sign up for the AO eNews, read the AO Blog, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The measurement used to determine the flow in a river is “CFS”, which is Cubic Feet per Second. Gauges along the river indicate how much water is moving past a given point. The higher the “CFS” the higher the flow. Most of the time, higher flows (higher CFS) means more exciting and challenging rafting trips.

 

Click on your favorite California river below to see real-time water levels and season predictions!


Beginner-Intermediate


South Fork American

Intermediate


Middle Fork American

Merced River

Intermediate-Advanced


Tuolumne River

North Fork Stanislaus

Kaweah River

North Fork American

Goodwin Canyon

Advanced


Cal Salmon

Cherry Creek



South Fork of the American
(Beginner - Intermediate / Class III+):

The South Fork of the American River is a classic "dam-controlled" river with six reservoirs upstream of the whitewater section. Due to the large amount of stored water, these upstream reservoirs are able to release water year-round on select days of the week.

2023 Rafting Season: April through October

The South Fork is expected to flow seven days a week at Moderately-High to High flows during the spring months of April through late June, with the highest flows expected to occur in late May/early June. Usual minimum age will be increased.

In early to mid-July the flows will decrease and Normal flows will be released through Labor Day (September 4) seven days a week. These flows will continue Thursday - Sunday in September and Friday-Monday in October.

Tom Sawyer Float trips on the easy section of the South Fork are offered during periods of Normal flows.

During the off-season winter months of November-March, raftable flows are released on the weekends.

* No matter what kind of winter California has - lots of precipitation or little, the South Fork of the American's constant flows, many fun and exciting rapids, easy access, and relatively low cost make it one of our best whitewater rivers.

South Fork American Graph

1200 - 3000 CFS = Normal flows, usually associated with summer and fall. Plenty of fun Class II & III whitewater and beautiful scenery. Great flow for first timers, groups and families, yet still enjoyable for experienced boaters. Wetsuits only required during cooler months. Usual minimum age: 8 years and minimum weight 50 lbs.

3000 - 5000 CFS = Moderately-High flows. Challenging Class III+ whitewater, exciting for first timers and veterans alike. Less technical (fewer rock obstacles), bigger waves, swifter moving water than at Normal flows. Wetsuits usually required. Usual minimum age increased to 10 years.

5000 -8000 CFS = High flows. Challenging Class III-IV whitewater. Faster moving water with longer rapids. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required. Usual minimum age increased to 12 and 90 lbs.

Above 8000 CFS = Very High flows. The river changes into an Intermediate Class IV river at these unusually high flows. Speed of water, size of waves, length of rapids increase. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required. Usual minimum age increased to 15 years.

Middle Fork of the American
(Intermediate / Class III - IV):

Rafting flows on this beautiful river typically start in May and last into fall thanks to consistent water releases from two upstream reservoirs.

The 2023 Season: Most likely too high May through June. Normal flows July through September

In 2023 the flows on the Middle Fork are expected to rise above 2000 CFS during the spring months of April through at least June. At these High flows the river starts to “wash out” and some rapids need to be portaged - for that reason trips are not recommended during this high water period. When the Middle Fork is running too high, other rivers, including the South Fork American, are having higher than normal flows as well, creating some great alternatives to the Middle Fork. Rafting trips at normal flows are expected to start in early to mid-July and last through September.

The Middle Fork is one of the best options for 1-, 2-, and 3-Day wilderness trips. Predictable water releases from the Oxbow PG&E Power House just above the run create a wonderful opportunity for Class III - IV rafting inside a 2000' deep wilderness canyon.

Middle Fork American Graph

850 - 1300 CFS = Normal flows. Perfect for adventurous first timers or experienced paddlers. An excellent opportunity to experience Class IV whitewater while enjoying the stunning beauty of the Middle Fork canyon. Usual minimum age: 12 years old and 90 lbs.

1300 - 2000 CFS = Moderately-High flows. More challenging Class IV whitewater, yet suitable for a wide range of skill levels. Wetsuits may be required during cooler months. Usual minimum age may be increased.

2000 - 4000 CFS = High flows. Portages required around several major rapids. Trips are not usually offered during periods of high flows due to the number of portages.

Above 4000 CFS = Very High flows. Not advisable. Most rapids are either washed out or need to be portaged.

Merced River
(Intermediate / Class III - IV):

The Merced River is free-flowing and has no dams above the whitewater section. When winter snows begin to melt the Merced begins to run. Normally the river becomes runnable in April and continues through mid-July.

The 2023 Season: May through July

In 2023 the river will flow at Moderately-High to High flows most of the spring with possible periods of Very High flows expected from mid-May to late June. The usual minimum age will be increased during this higher flow period. Normal rafting flows are expected to last through July.

600 - 1500 CFS = Lower flows. Great for eager first timers and experienced rafters. Class III+ whitewater. Wetsuits only required during cooler months. Usual minimum age may be increased from 12 to 13 years.

1500 - 4000 CFS = Normal flows. Great for eager first timers and experienced rafters alike. Plenty of Class III & IV whitewater. Wetsuits required at higher flows and/or in cooler months.

4000 - 6000 CFS = Moderately-High flows. Challenging Class IV whitewater, exciting for adventurous first-timers and experienced rafters. Bigger waves and swifter moving water. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required. Usual minimum age increased from 12 to 15 years.

6000 - 8000 CFS = High flows. Speed of the water picks up. Rapids lengthen and calms are shorter. Out of boat experiences (unplanned swims) become more challenging. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required. Usual minimum age is 15 years.

Above 8000 CFS = Very High flows. Speed of water, size of waves, and length of rapids increase. Calm stretches move swiftly. Previous rafting experience is recommended. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required. Usual minimum age is 15 years.

Tuolumne River
(Intermediate - Advanced / Class IV+):

The Tuolumne is a dam-controlled river with reliable flows from April through early September. Raftable flows are released 7 days a week except for every other Wednesday during the summer months.

The 2023 Season: June - September 4

Although rafting flows on the Tuolumne started in April as usual, trips are being postponed until June this year due to road access issues. The river is expected to run at Moderately-High flows that will turn into High and possibly Very High flows later in spring. In July these higher spring flows will start dropping and the Tuolumne will continue to offer very exciting Class IV+ rafting all the way through Labor Day, September 4.

600 - 900 CFS = Lower flows. Technical rafting through smooth boulders above the water and smaller ones under the surface. Quick maneuvering and agile paddling required, as well as good balance and the ability to respond quickly to commands given by the guide. Rapids are abrupt and steep.

900 - 3000 CFS = Normal flows. Great for adventurous first timers and experienced rafters. Plenty of Class III & IV whitewater. Wetsuits required during cooler months. Usual minimum age: 13 years old.

3000 - 5000 CFS = Moderately-High flows. Great for experienced rafters and adventurous first timers. Significant amount of Class III & IV+ whitewater. Wetsuits required during cooler months and higher flows. Usual minimum age may be increased to 15 years old.

5000 - 8000 CFS = High flows. Challenging Class IV+ whitewater, exciting for experienced rafters and adventurous first-timers. Bigger waves and swifter moving water. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required. Usual minimum age increased to 15 years old.

Above 8000 CFS = Very High flows. Speed of water, size of waves, and length of rapids increase. Out of boat experiences (unplanned swims) become more challenging. Calm stretches move swiftly. Previous experience is recommended. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

North Fork of the Stanislaus
(Intermediate - Advanced / Class IV+):

The North Fork of the Stanislaus River acts like a free-flowing river, even though Spicer Reservoir is located 14 miles upstream at an elevation of 6300 feet. We rely on low elevation melting snow below the reservoir that feeds this beautiful river during spring. Usually the season is short, lasting from late April to late May.

The 2023 Season: May through July

In 2023 we will start offering trips once the access roads are cleared of snow, likely by the beginning of May. Thanks to above average snowpack, the season is expected to run through the end of July. Flows are predicted to be Moderately-High to High for much of the springtime season.


flow chart for the North Fork Stanislaus

450 - 500 CFS = Lower flows. Very technical rafting through boulders and narrow chutes. Many rapids start with blind turns and require quick and powerful maneuvers. Rapids and drops are abrupt in regard to changes in elevation and speed. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Boats remain light with 4 to 5 people per raft at the most.

500 - 700 CFS = Normal flows. Technical Class IV rafting through tight chutes, and over radical drops. At these flows the river resembles a trout stream at a high elevation complete with boulders, fallen trees and small pools. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits are required. Usual minimum age: 15 years old.

700 - 1200 CFS = Moderately-High flows. Less rock obstacles and more drops, waves become bigger. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Plenty of Class IV+ whitewater. Wetsuits required.

1200 - 2000 CFS = High flows. Speed of water, size of waves, and drops increase. Calms between rapids become shorter. The obstacles change from rocks and boulders to drops and hydraulics. Oar-paddle raft option may be utilized. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

Above 2000 CFS = Very High flows. Rapids begin to "link" with one another and become very challenging. Calms between the rapids become shorter. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

Kaweah River
(Intermediate - Advanced / Class IV+):

The Kaweah is a free-flowing river with no dams above the whitewater section. Typically the season runs from mid-April to June or early July.

The 2023 Season: May through July

The 2023 rafting season will begin in May and likely last through the end of July. Normal flows are expected towards the end of the season, however, most of the springtime will see Moderately-High to High flows giving this exciting river even more edge.

Kaweah River Graph

700 - 1200 CFS = Lower flows. Technical rafting through boulder filled rapids and narrow exciting passages. Drops are abrupt, sharp and involve significant changes in elevation. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Good balance and the ability to respond to commands quickly and paddle hard are necessary. Usual minimum age: 15 years old.

1200 - 1800 CFS = Normal flows. Challenging Class IV+ whitewater. Previous rafting experience is recommended and helpful. This river is action-packed, filled with fun waves, lots of maneuvering, and short breaks in between. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits often required.

1800 - 3000 CFS = Moderately-High flows. Faster moving water with bigger waves and longer rapids. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

3000 - 4000 CFS = High flows. Speed of water, size of waves and drops increase. Calm sections between rapids become shorter in length. Out of boat experiences (unplanned swims) become more challenging. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Oar-Paddle Combo rafts used most often. Wetsuits required.

Above 4000 CFS = Very High flows. The river rarely gets to these levels. When it does, it has similar features to High flows, but everything about the rapids is bigger and faster. The water in the calm sections also moves at a swifter pace. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

North Fork of the American
(Intermediate - Advanced / Class IV+):

The North Fork is a free-flowing river and runs only in the spring when the winter snowpack begins to melt. Its drainage is relatively small and low, so the season is shorter than other rivers and only lasts until the middle or end of May in most years.

The 2023 Season: April - mid-June

Because of the above average snowpack, the 2023 rafting season is expected to run through mid-June. The river will be running at Moderately-High to High flows for much of its season.

flow chart for the North Fork American

600 - 1200 CFS = Lower flows. Forgiving Class IV whitewater. Best for experienced rafters who like the challenge of difficult paddling and maneuvers. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits only required during cooler months. Usual minimum age: 15 years old.

1200 - 1800 CFS = Normal flows. Challenging Class IV+ whitewater, exciting for veterans and adventurous first-timers. Less rock obstacles and more waves. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

1800 - 2200 CFS = Moderately-High flows. Challenging Class IV+ whitewater,faster moving water, with bigger waves and longer rapids. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Previous experience recommended and helpful. Wetsuits required.

2200 - 3500 CFS = High flows. Very challenging Class IV+ whitewater with some Class V rapids. Speed of water, size of waves and drops increase. Calm sections between rapids become shorter in length. Out of boat experiences (unplanned swims) become more challenging. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

3500 CFS = Very High flows. The river rarely gets to these levels. When it does, it has similar features to High flows, but everything about the rapids is bigger and faster. The water in the calm sections also moves at a swifter pace. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

Goodwin Canyon / Stanislaus River
(Intermediate - Advanced / Class IV+):

The Goodwin Canyon section of the Stanislaus River is a dam-controlled river. In years with average snowpack there is usually a window of raftable water releases during the spring snowmelt, however we don’t always raft this river in spring time. During the summer time, most of the water from the reservoir directly above this run is diverted into large canals just upstream from the whitewater section. These canals bring water to farmers in the San Joaquin Valley. In October water releases are typically increased for a few weeks to signal salmon to return for spawning. In years of heavy snowpack more water is released for the salmon and flows are typically consistent from April to October, 7 days a week.

The 2023 Season: October 14 - 15, October 21 - 22, October 28 - 29

In 2023 we are planning our Goodwin Canyon Double Runs trips for three weekends in October: Saturday & Sunday, October 14-15, 21-22, 28-29. You can learn more about these trips on our blog.

Goodwin Canyon Graph

500 - 700 CFS = Lower flows. Very technical rafting through boulders and narrow chutes. Many rapids require quick and powerful maneuvers. Rapids and drops are abrupt in regard to changes in elevation and speed. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Boats remain light with 4 to 6 people per raft at the most. Wetsuits required.

700 - 1500 CFS = Normal flows. Technical Class IV+ rafting through tight chutes, and over exciting drops. At these flows the river moves slow in the calms but picks up speed through the drops. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required. Usual minimum age: 15 years old.

1500 - 2000 CFS = Moderately-High flows. Less boulders inside the drops. More powerful hydraulics and fun waves. More boulders and rocks are covered up with water eliminating some obstacles and creating more holes to thrill or avoid. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Several Class IV+ rapids are approaching Class V. Wetsuits required.

2000 - 3000 CFS = High flows. Rapids remain the same length, size of waves and drops increase. Water in calm sections moves swifter. The obstacles change from rocks and boulders to stomping hydraulics and holes. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

Above 3000 CFS = Very High flows. The river rarely gets to these levels. When it does, it has similar features to High flows, but everything about the rapids is bigger and faster. The water in the calm sections also moves at a swifter pace. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

Cal Salmon
(Advanced / Class V):

The Cal Salmon is a free-flowing river and usually only runs in the spring when the winter snowpack is melting. The season typically runs from April through June, although in most years we concentrate bookings into one weekend trip in late April. Later trips are possible for large groups, depending on flows and availability.

The 2023 Season: April - mid-July

In 2023 rafting flows are expected to last through mid-July ranging from Moderately-High to High for much of the season. We are currently taking reservations for the weekend of April 29-30. Other April - June dates may be available for larger groups - please contact us.

California Salmon

1000 - 1400 CFS = Lower flows. Forgiving Class IV and some Class V whitewater. Best for experienced rafters and adventurous first-timers who like the challenge of difficult paddling and maneuvers. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits only required during cooler months.

1400 - 3000 CFS = Normal flows. Challenging Class IV+ and Class V whitewater, exciting for veterans. Previous experience recommended and helpful. Less rock obstacles, more waves and swifter moving water. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

3000 - 4000 CFS = Moderately-High flows. Challenging Class V whitewater, faster moving water, with bigger waves and longer rapids. Previous rafting experienced recommended. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

4000-5000 CFS = High flows. Very challenging Class V whitewater. Speed of water, size of waves, and drops increase. Calms between rapids become shorter. Out of boat experiences (unplanned swims) become more challenging. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight.Wetsuits required.

Above 5000 CFS = Very High flows. The river rarely gets to these levels. When it does, it has similar features to High flows, but everything about the rapids is bigger and faster. The water in the calm sections also moves at a swifter pace. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required.

Cherry Creek
(Advanced / Class V):

Cherry Creek is the upper stretch of the Tuolumne River and considered by many experienced rafters to be the most difficult commercial rafting trip in the U.S. In most years, the water flows are too high in spring and early summer. Flows between 1300 and 2000 CFS are considered ideal for this ultimate whitewater challenge.

The 2023 Season: early August - September 4

Due to a large snowpack and an extended higher flow period, the 2023 Cherry Creek season is expected to start in early August. Normal flows will be released every day except for every other Wednesday through Labor Day on September 4. After Labor Day water releases from upstream reservoirs become too low for Class V rafting.

Real-Time Flows for Cherry Creek

1000 - 1500 CFS = Normal flows. Challenging Class V whitewater, exciting for veterans. Previous rafting experience highly recommended. Big drops over and around large boulders mean quick maneuvering around obstacles. Difficult and long swims are possible should someone fall out of the raft. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight. Wetsuits required. Usual minimum age: 17 years old.

1500 - 2200 CFS = High flows. Very challenging Class V-V+ whitewater. Waves, drops, and holes become bigger, water moves faster. Calms between rapids are shorter and move swifter. Participants should be competent swimmers, active, not overweight, with previous Class IV+ rafting experience. Wetsuits required.

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