Stream Flow - Middle Fork 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.
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 runable only in April, May, and early June,
depending on the snowpack and rainfall each year.
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STREAMFLOW FOR THE MIDDLE FORK AMERICAN
RIVER |
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.
Middle Fork Minimum Age 12
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