AMERICAN RIVER STREAM FLOWS
Flows in CFS for the 3 forks of the American River
Just What is CFS anyway?
CFS stands for Cubic Feet per Second, and it’s a measure of the volume of water passing any given point in a river in one second. One cubic foot of water weighs 62.5 pounds.
How much water is in the river?
South Fork River Flows
Middle Fork River Flows
North Fork River Flows
Why does the river level fluctuate so much?
There are a series of dams upstream of the South Fork and Middle Forks of the American River which provide water for electrical power, irrigation, and drinking for residents of California. The most water is released in the spring and summer, supplying plenty of exciting whitewater action. This assures you of a great raft trip all the way through the end of September, even in low snowpack years. The North Fork American is not dam controlled, and is therefore runnable only in April, May, and early June, depending on the snowpack and rainfall each year.
South Fork of the American
The South Fork usually runs from May through October. Consistent flows for whitewater rafting are controlled by the upstream reservoirs in the summertime with added runoff in the spring. Snow melt, precipitation, air temperature and reservoir releases can affect current river levels.
There’s a reason why the South Fork of the American is one of the most popular whitewater rafting trips in the world!
What do the numbers mean?
1100-1700 CFS = Normal flows, usually associated with late summer and fall. Plenty of Class III whitewater rafting and beautiful scenery. Great for first-timers, groups and families, yet still fun for experienced boaters.
1700-4000 CFS = Medium - High flows. Challenging Class III+ whitewater rafting, exciting for first timers and veterans alike. Big waves and swift-moving water.
Above 4000 CFS = High flows. Challenging Class III+ whitewater rafting. Fast-moving water, with powerful waves and long rapids.
MINIMUM AGE: 6
Middle Fork of the American
The Middle Fork usually runs from May through October. Consistent flows for whitewater rafting are controlled by the upstream reservoirs in the summertime with added runoff in the spring. Snow melt, precipitation, air temperature and reservoir releases can affect current river levels.
Join American Whitewater Expeditions for a thrilling trip down the Class IV Middle Fork of the American!
What do the numbers mean?
800 - 1100 CFS = Normal flows. Perfect for aggressive first timers or experienced whitewater paddlers. An excellent opportunity to experience Class IV whitewater rafting while enjoying the stunning beauty of the Middle Fork canyon.
1100 - 1700 CFS = Medium - High flows. More challenging Class IV whitewater, yet suitable for a wide range of skill levels.
Above 1700 CFS = High flows. Class IV whitewater with additional challenges. May occur only a few weeks in spring.
MINIMUM AGE: 12
North Fork of the American
The North Fork runs during April & May (and sometimes, if we’ve been good, into June). This river has no dams. The longevity of flows is dependent on the weather and snowpack. Snow melt, precipitation, air temperature and reservoir releases can affect current river levels. Proceed with caution when rafting at high flows.
The North Fork is one of the jewels of California. Enjoy its awesome rapids and scenic beauty with American Whitewater this season. Trips book early, so call now!
What do the numbers mean?
800-1200 CFS = Lower flows. Class IV whitewater rafting. Great for veteran paddlers and for adventurous first timers.
1200 - 1300 CFS = Medium to high flows. Challenging Class V whitewater rafting, exciting for veterans. Previous experience preferred and helpful. Bigger waves and swift moving water.
Above 3000 CFS = High flows. Challenging Class V whitewater. Fast-moving water, with powerful waves and rapids. Participants should be athletic individuals with previous experience.
MINIMUM AGE: 14