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Jon Osgood Owner
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Steam Flow - North 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 NORTH FORK AMERICAN
RIVER |
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 jewels
of California. Enjoy it's 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 some athletic & adventurous first timer passengers.
- 1200-3000 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.
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