Sierra South - Mountain and Paddle Sports
Quick Menu Main Sierra South Page New & Used Kayaks The Kern River Links, Links, Links! Request Additional Information The Kern River Gallery Learn to Climb! Learn to Kayak! Go Rafting on the Kern River! Get the latest flows, weather, and info! Visit the Sierra South Online Store!

River Notes Archive

(Links and other information are historical in nature and may no longer be correct. Products referenced in the archives may no longer be available. References to products on sale do not apply.)

Previous Month - Index - Next Month

Shop at the Sierra South River Store!
Check which New Kayaks are on Sale!
Browse New & Used Kayaks, Rafts & Gear!
Kayak Comparison Chart
2008 Raft Guide School Info
2008 Class Info
2008 Event Calendar
• Kern Festival 2008 Photos & Results
"Around the Kern" Resource Guide
Employment Information
News from the Past...

Updated 4/23/08

o This summer, when you watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics Canoe/Kayak coverage on NBC, you may very well recognize a member of the broadcast team -- 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi. Joe is the co-founder of Gold Medal Connections, which just completed its 11th annual Gold Medal Kayaking Camp on the Kern River. For more on the Beijing Olympics and Joe's "thoughts, ideas, and life lessons from the outdoors" check out his blog Gold Medal Living. Also see Joe's WRCB TV Olympic Zone Profile of Eric Jackson

o From farmers to fishermen, from the feds to the Yurok nation, all sides spent the past two years hammering out a deal that hinges on the destruction of four hydroelectric dams along the Klamath River. If those four dams come down, it would be the largest dam removal in U.S. history. More.

o The Roadless Areas Conservation Rule is an administrative rule adopted by the U.S. Forest Service in January 2001 to protect the last remaining wildlands in our national forest system. It places about one-third of the national forest system's total acreage off-limits to virtually all road building and logging. (More than half of our national forest land is already open to such activity.) This protection is the only way to spare roadless areas from the severe damage that roads and intense development like clearcut logging have done to other parts of our national forests. More.

o You can always tell a canoeist or kayaker from Ohio, that’s because they have been required to register their craft, pay a fee, and place big numbers on the side of their boats ever since the Ohio legislature figured out a way to “cheat” on their federal taxes and get more money from the federal government. The Ohio legislature figured that if they required all canoes, kayaks, and rafts to be registered along with motorboats as recreational watercraft, then they would be eligible for more Wallop-Breaux and other federal transportation funding. More.

o One of the most hotly debated topics on Earth is the issue of climate change, and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) data centers are central to answering some of the most pressing global change questions that remain unresolved. The National Climatic Data Center contains the instrumental records that can precisely define the nature of climatic fluctuations at time scales of a up to a century. Among the diverse kinds of data platforms whose data contribute to NCDC's armamentarium are: Ships, buoys, weather stations, balloons, satellites, and aircraft. More.

o California is blessed with some of the most beautiful and diverse rivers in the world. From the steep creeks of the high Sierra to the broad and powerful rivers of the Central Valley, each river tells a personal story and provides a unique experience to the visitor. More.

Splashes: Rolling - AW Safety Code - River Quotes - Foamies - Water Art

River Notes for Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Important information about River Notes.

The "TJ" in the Kern Festival's TJ Slalom is Tom Johnson. Tom and the Haystackers paddling club started the Kernville whitewater races in April of 1965. Among other firsts, Tom is credited with making the first fiberglass canoe in 1942, a fiberglass version of the Malia outrigger canoe in 1959, and the first rotomolded plastic kayak, the "River Chaser," in 1974. Tom won National championships in whitewater K-1 in 1967, OC-2 Slalom in 1976, and C-2 Masters Slalom in 1980. Over a three week period in Spring of 1972 he arranged with the Corp of Engineers and other agencies to create a paddling site at Riverside Park -- the first whitewater park in the U.S.

Blue skies, sunshine and gusty winds were the weather cards drawn for the 44th Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival. Many thanks to the paddlers, spectators, sponsors and all the volunteers that help put on the event. An extra special "Thank You!" goes to Terry Valle who spearheads the organization of the Festival year after year;and Eric & Rebecca Giddens who run the Brush Creek race and set the slalom course.

In the third official running of the Brush Creek race, Eric Giddens finished first in the Men's K-1 class with a time of 2:51.92. Second in Men's K-1 went to Macy Burnham, with Eric Jackson third. 2004 Olympic Silver medallist Rebecca Giddens won the Women's K-1 class with a time of 2.59.69 -- the fourth fastest time overall. Amanda Marusich and Lynn Siodmak followed in second and third. Dane Jackson won the Junior Men's K-1 class in a time of 3.04.99, with Spencer Josif second, and Evan Moore third. Check out Dane's and Spencer's Brush Creek video.

Sunday, with the flow at Riverside Park at about 1200 cfs, Eric Giddens and Eric Jackson swapped out their creek boats for slalom boats and went at it again, in the Tom Johnson Slalom. Eric Giddens had a touch on the second run, but was fast enough to finish ahead of EJ for the K-1 Men's win. Rebecca Giddens raced in the K-1 Men's class and placed third. Eric Giddens will be setting the slalom course for the 2008 Beijing Olympics!

Stein Beals and Nick Wilkening battled it out for the top Junior Men's spot, with Stein winning by a hair thin margin of 0.18 of a second. Sara Perales was the top Junior Woman. Event results and photos are now available on the KVRC web site.

Raft Trips and Kayaking Classes have started! Trips and classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early. Use our interactive Raft Trip Reservation form to compare the details of the rafting trips we offer!

Check out all the new 2008 boats in the New Boat Barn: 2008 Jackson Hero, Star & Super Fun; Dagger Agent 6.0 & Agent 6.4; Wavesport Diesel 65 & Diesel 75; Liquid Logic Jefe, Jefe Chico, Jefe Grande, Remix 47 Kids, Remix 59, Remix 69, & Remix 79. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

Our world-famous Lickety-Split and Lickety-Blaster raft trips are far and away the two most popular and most affordable Class 2-3 whitewater rafting runs available on the Kern River. Both are full of enough excitement to challenge just about everyone from young tikes to grandmas and grandpas. Looking for more adrenalin? Try our new Upper Kern and Forks trips. Download our 2011 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (PDF) for more information!

Learn to kayak! Our proven teaching method takes you through a gradual progression that maximizes the fun. We've designed our beginning class for those who have never river kayaked before, or who have played around with kayaking some, but have not had formal instruction in the fundamentals of river kayaking. We also offer a 5-day total immersion learn-to-kayak class. Our Kayaking School page has all the details on these, and other whitewater and lake touring kayak classes!

Many of our new and used 2007 boats remain on sale -- All Star's, Hero's, Rocker's & Tripper's; Wavesport Project's, Habitat's and more!

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2008 season will mark our 23rd year on the Kern River!

We are always looking for staff members who are energetic, self-motivated, enjoy the out-of-doors, team players and above all else, willing to provide exceptional guest services. Employment opportunities typically include river guides, kayak instructors, seasonal office staff, reservationists, food service manager, retail sales associates, bus drivers and photographers. Please see our Employment Information page for more information.

We talk a lot about the "Kern River basin" in Rivernotes. During the Winter, we frequently refer to the Upper Tyndall Creek, Pascoes, and Wet Meadows snow sensors. During the paddling season, it might be Limestone, The Forks, Kern Falls, or Kernville. Here's a satellite overview of the 1000 square mile N.F. Kern drainage area with a few of the features labeled. If you look near the bottom of the photo, you'll see Lake Isabella. We're located just north of the lake!

Here is a snapshot of today's flow and reservoir data, based on reports from the Corps of Engineers (COE) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Click on "Current" to get the latest COE info. For SCE flow information, call the flow phone at 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE, the flow phone values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order and according to SCE, will not be serviced until April 21. According to SCE, the diversion at Fairview is expected to remain at 300 cfs for the remainder of April.)


 

Upper Kern

Lower Kern

  Above Fairview* Below Fairview* At Kernville Lake Isabella Below Democrat Dam*
Date & Time Flow (cfs) Flow (cfs) Stage Flow (cfs) Total Outflow to River to Borel Canal Storage
(acre-feet)
Flow (cfs)
29APR2008 1400 2100
(estimate)
1800
(estimate)
7.37 2150 768 205 563 187525

n/a

Kern Flow Info Current 5 Day Plot 10 Day Plot Month WY '07 WY '06 WY '05 WY '04 WY '03
Weather NWS NWS Zones CNN Washington Post Satellite Radar Riverkern RAWS RAWS Archive
*Flow values from SCE Flow Phone. For current information call 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE the flow values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order and according to SCE, will not be serviced until April 21. According to SCE, the diversion at Fairview is expected to remain at 300 cfs for the remainder of April.)

More information concerning flow and weather can be found on our LINKS page.

River Notes for Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Important information about River Notes.

Blue skies, sunshine and gusty winds were the weather cards drawn for the 44th Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival. Many thanks to the paddlers, spectators, sponsors and all the volunteers that help put on the event. An extra special "Thank You!" goes to Terry Valle who spearheads the organization of the Festival year after year;and Eric & Rebecca Giddens who run the Brush Creek race and set the slalom course.

In the third official running of the Brush Creek race, Eric Giddens finished first in the Men's K-1 class with a time of 2:51.92. Second in Men's K-1 went to Macy Burnham, with Eric Jackson third. 2004 Olympic Silver medallist Rebecca Giddens won the Women's K-1 class with a time of 2.59.69 -- the fourth fastest time overall. Amanda Marusich and Lynn Siodmak followed in second and third. Dane Jackson won the Junior Men's K-1 class in a time of 3.04.99, with Spencer Josif second, and Evan Moore third. Check out Dane's and Spencer's Brush Creek video.

Sunday, with the flow at Riverside Park at about 1200 cfs, Eric Giddens and Eric Jackson swapped out their creek boats for slalom boats and went at it again, in the Tom Johnson Slalom. Eric Giddens had a touch on the second run, but was fast enough to finish ahead of EJ for the K-1 Men's win. Rebecca Giddens raced in the K-1 Men's class and placed third. Eric Giddens will be setting the slalom course for the 2008 Beijing Olympics!

Stein Beals and Nick Wilkening battled it out for the top Junior Men's spot, with Stein winning by a hair thin margin of 0.18 of a second. Sara Perales was the top Junior Woman. Event results and photos are now available on the KVRC web site.

The measurements for the 2007-2008 Kern snowpack are in. With 16 of 17 snow courses measured, the snowpack stands at 118% of normal! This compares to 19% last season and more than 127% in the big water season of 2005-2006.

Raft Trips and Kayaking Classes have started! Trips and classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early. Use our interactive Raft Trip Reservation form to compare the details of the rafting trips we offer!

Check out all the new 2008 boats in the New Boat Barn: 2008 Jackson Hero, Star & Super Fun; Dagger Agent 6.0 & Agent 6.4; Wavesport Diesel 65 & Diesel 75; Liquid Logic Jefe, Jefe Chico, Jefe Grande, Remix 47 Kids, Remix 59, Remix 69, & Remix 79. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

Our world-famous Lickety-Split and Lickety-Blaster raft trips are far and away the two most popular and most affordable Class 2-3 whitewater rafting runs available on the Kern River. Both are full of enough excitement to challenge just about everyone from young tikes to grandmas and grandpas. Looking for more adrenalin? Try our new Upper Kern and Forks trips. Download our 2011 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (PDF) for more information!

Learn to kayak! Our proven teaching method takes you through a gradual progression that maximizes the fun. We've designed our beginning class for those who have never river kayaked before, or who have played around with kayaking some, but have not had formal instruction in the fundamentals of river kayaking. We also offer a 5-day total immersion learn-to-kayak class. Our Kayaking School page has all the details on these, and other whitewater and lake touring kayak classes!

Many of our new and used 2007 boats remain on sale -- All Star's, Hero's, Rocker's & Tripper's; Wavesport Project's, Habitat's and more!

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2008 season will mark our 23rd year on the Kern River!

We are always looking for staff members who are energetic, self-motivated, enjoy the out-of-doors, team players and above all else, willing to provide exceptional guest services. Employment opportunities typically include river guides, kayak instructors, seasonal office staff, reservationists, food service manager, retail sales associates, bus drivers and photographers. Please see our Employment Information page for more information.

We talk a lot about the "Kern River basin" in Rivernotes. During the Winter, we frequently refer to the Upper Tyndall Creek, Pascoes, and Wet Meadows snow sensors. During the paddling season, it might be Limestone, The Forks, Kern Falls, or Kernville. Here's a satellite overview of the 1000 square mile N.F. Kern drainage area with a few of the features labeled. If you look near the bottom of the photo, you'll see Lake Isabella. We're located just north of the lake!

Here is a snapshot of today's flow and reservoir data, based on reports from the Corps of Engineers (COE) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Click on "Current" to get the latest COE info. For SCE flow information, call the flow phone at 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE, the flow phone values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order and according to SCE, will not be serviced until April 21. According to SCE, the diversion at Fairview is expected to remain at 300 cfs for the remainder of April.)


 

Upper Kern

Lower Kern

  Above Fairview* Below Fairview* At Kernville Lake Isabella Below Democrat Dam*
Date & Time Flow (cfs) Flow (cfs) Stage Flow (cfs) Total Outflow to River to Borel Canal Storage
(acre-feet)
Flow (cfs)
22APR2008 1300 1100
(estimate)
800
(estimate)
6.31 1124 538 32 506 177579

n/a

Kern Flow Info Current 5 Day Plot 10 Day Plot Month WY '07 WY '06 WY '05 WY '04 WY '03
Weather NWS NWS Zones CNN Washington Post Satellite Radar Riverkern RAWS RAWS Archive
*Flow values from SCE Flow Phone. For current information call 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE the flow values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order and according to SCE, will not be serviced until April 21. According to SCE, the diversion at Fairview is expected to remain at 300 cfs for the remainder of April.)

More information concerning flow and weather can be found on our LINKS page.

River Notes for Thursday, April 17, 2008

Important information about River Notes.

Make your plans now! The 44th Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival is this weekend, April 19-20. The Festival will feature two days of non-stop action with the Brush Creek Race, Raft Races, and Poker Run on Saturday; and the Raffle, Silent Auction, Downriver Race and TJ Slalom Race Sunday. Flows are expected to be nearly ideal, and the current NWS forecast is calling for mostly sunny weather, and no rain.

The Kern Festival Brush Creek race -- organized by Eric & Rebecca Giddens -- is expected to be bigger and better than ever, with unique awards that have that special "Brush Creek" flavor. The race will be a qualifying event for the Whitewater Giant Slalom Series championship race in North Carolina this summer.

Speaking of Eric Giddens -- congrats to Eric who will be setting the slalom course for the 2008 Beijing Olympics! Eric will also be setting the course for the 2008 Kern Festival T.J. Slalom. Don't miss the opportunity to race on a course set by the Olympic course designer!

BTW, Eric Jackson will be at the Festival this year and we're looking forward to see who wins the battle of the Eric's -- both on Brush Creek and in the Slalom.

This summer, when you watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics Canoe/Kayak coverage on NBC, you may very well recognize a member of the broadcast team -- 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi. Joe is the co-founder of Gold Medal Connections, which just completed its 11th annual Gold Medal Kayaking Camp on the Kern River. For more on the Beijing Olympics and Joe's "thoughts, ideas, and life lessons from the outdoors" check out his blog Gold Medal Living.

The results for the 2007-2008 Kern snowpack are in. With 16 of 17 snow courses measured, the snowpack stands at 118% of normal! This compares to 19% last season and more than 127% in the big water season of 2005-2006.

Raft Trips and Kayaking Classes have started! Trips and classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early. Use our interactive Raft Trip Reservation form to compare the details of the rafting trips we offer!

Check out all the new 2008 boats in the New Boat Barn: 2008 Jackson Hero, Star & Super Fun; Dagger Agent 6.0 & Agent 6.4; Wavesport Diesel 65 & Diesel 75; Liquid Logic Jefe, Jefe Chico, Jefe Grande, Remix 47 Kids, Remix 59, Remix 69, & Remix 79. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

Our world-famous Lickety-Split and Lickety-Blaster raft trips are far and away the two most popular and most affordable Class 2-3 whitewater rafting runs available on the Kern River. Both are full of enough excitement to challenge just about everyone from young tikes to grandmas and grandpas. Looking for more adrenalin? Try our new Upper Kern and Forks trips. Download our 2011 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (PDF) for more information!

Learn to kayak! Our proven teaching method takes you through a gradual progression that maximizes the fun. We've designed our beginning class for those who have never river kayaked before, or who have played around with kayaking some, but have not had formal instruction in the fundamentals of river kayaking. We also offer a 5-day total immersion learn-to-kayak class. Our Kayaking School page has all the details on these, and other whitewater and lake touring kayak classes!

Many of our new and used 2007 boats remain on sale -- All Star's, Hero's, Rocker's & Tripper's; Wavesport Project's, Habitat's and more!

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2008 season will mark our 23rd year on the Kern River!

We are always looking for staff members who are energetic, self-motivated, enjoy the out-of-doors, team players and above all else, willing to provide exceptional guest services. Employment opportunities typically include river guides, kayak instructors, seasonal office staff, reservationists, food service manager, retail sales associates, bus drivers and photographers. Please see our Employment Information page for more information.

We talk a lot about the "Kern River basin" in Rivernotes. During the Winter, we frequently refer to the Upper Tyndall Creek, Pascoes, and Wet Meadows snow sensors. During the paddling season, it might be Limestone, The Forks, Kern Falls, or Kernville. Here's a satellite overview of the 1000 square mile N.F. Kern drainage area with a few of the features labeled. If you look near the bottom of the photo, you'll see Lake Isabella. We're located just north of the lake!

Here is a snapshot of today's flow and reservoir data, based on reports from the Corps of Engineers (COE) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Click on "Current" to get the latest COE info. For SCE flow information, call the flow phone at 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE, the flow phone values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order and according to SCE, will not be serviced until April 21. According to SCE, the diversion at Fairview is expected to remain at 300 cfs for the remainder of April.)


 

Upper Kern

Lower Kern

Above Fairview* Below Fairview* At Kernville Lake Isabella Below Democrat Dam*
Date & Time Flow (cfs) Flow (cfs) Stage Flow (cfs) Total Outflow to River to Borel Canal Storage
(acre-feet)
Flow (cfs)
17APR2008 0800 1200
(estimate)
900
(estimate)
6.53 1212 558 533 25 169701

n/a

Kern Flow Info Current 5 Day Plot 10 Day Plot Month WY '07 WY '06 WY '05 WY '04 WY '03
Weather NWS NWS Zones CNN Washington Post Satellite Radar Riverkern RAWS RAWS Archive
*Flow values from SCE Flow Phone. For current information call 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE the flow values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order and according to SCE, will not be serviced until April 21. According to SCE, the diversion at Fairview is expected to remain at 300 cfs for the remainder of April.)

More information concerning flow and weather can be found on our LINKS page.

River Notes for Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Important information about River Notes.

Make your plans now! The 44th Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival is this weekend, April 19-20. The Festival will feature two days of non-stop action with the Brush Creek Race, Raft Races, and Poker Run on Saturday; and the Raffle, Silent Auction, Downriver Race and TJ Slalom Race Sunday. Flows are expected to be nearly ideal, and the current NWS forecast is calling for partly cloudy to mostly sunny weather, and no rain.

The results for the 2007-2008 Kern snowpack are in. With 16 of 17 snow courses measured, the snowpack stands at 118% of normal! This compares to 19% last season and more than 127% in the big water season of 2005-2006.

This summer, when you watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics Canoe/Kayak coverage on NBC, you may very well recognize a member of the broadcast team -- 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi. Joe is the co-founder of Gold Medal Connections, which just completed its 11th annual Gold Medal Kayaking Camp on the Kern River. For more on the Beijing Olympics and Joe's "thoughts, ideas, and life lessons from the outdoors" check out his blog Gold Medal Living.

Raft Trips and Kayaking Classes have started! Trips and classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early. Use our interactive Raft Trip Reservation form to compare the details of the rafting trips we offer!

Check out all the new 2008 boats in the New Boat Barn: 2008 Jackson Hero, Star & Super Fun; Dagger Agent 6.0 & Agent 6.4; Wavesport Diesel 65 & Diesel 75; Liquid Logic Jefe, Jefe Chico, Jefe Grande, Remix 47 Kids, Remix 59, Remix 69, & Remix 79. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

Our world-famous Lickety-Split and Lickety-Blaster raft trips are far and away the two most popular and most affordable Class 2-3 whitewater rafting runs available on the Kern River. Both are full of enough excitement to challenge just about everyone from young tikes to grandmas and grandpas. Looking for more adrenalin? Try our new Upper Kern and Forks trips. Download our 2011 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (PDF) for more information!

Learn to kayak! Our proven teaching method takes you through a gradual progression that maximizes the fun. We've designed our beginning class for those who have never river kayaked before, or who have played around with kayaking some, but have not had formal instruction in the fundamentals of river kayaking. We also offer a 5-day total immersion learn-to-kayak class. Our Kayaking School page has all the details on these, and other whitewater and lake touring kayak classes!

Many of our new and used 2007 boats remain on sale -- All Star's, Hero's, Rocker's & Tripper's; Wavesport Project's, Habitat's and more!

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2008 season will mark our 23rd year on the Kern River!

We are always looking for staff members who are energetic, self-motivated, enjoy the out-of-doors, team players and above all else, willing to provide exceptional guest services. Employment opportunities typically include river guides, kayak instructors, seasonal office staff, reservationists, food service manager, retail sales associates, bus drivers and photographers. Please see our Employment Information page for more information.

We talk a lot about the "Kern River basin" in Rivernotes. During the Winter, we frequently refer to the Upper Tyndall Creek, Pascoes, and Wet Meadows snow sensors. During the paddling season, it might be Limestone, The Forks, Kern Falls, or Kernville. Here's a satellite overview of the 1000 square mile N.F. Kern drainage area with a few of the features labeled. If you look near the bottom of the photo, you'll see Lake Isabella. We're located just north of the lake!

Here is a snapshot of today's flow and reservoir data, based on reports from the Corps of Engineers (COE) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Click on "Current" to get the latest COE info. For SCE flow information, call the flow phone at 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE, the flow phone values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order and according to SCE, will not be serviced until April 21. According to SCE, the diversion at Fairview is expected to remain at 300 cfs for the remainder of April.)


 

Upper Kern

Lower Kern

Above Fairview* Below Fairview* At Kernville Lake Isabella Below Democrat Dam*
Date & Time Flow (cfs) Flow (cfs) Stage Flow (cfs) Total Outflow to River to Borel Canal Storage
(acre-feet)
Flow (cfs)
15APR2008 0900 1300
(estimate)
1000
(estimate)
6.71 1365 521 496 25 165315

n/a

Kern Flow Info Current 5 Day Plot 10 Day Plot Month WY '07 WY '06 WY '05 WY '04 WY '03
Weather NWS NWS Zones CNN Washington Post Satellite Radar Riverkern RAWS RAWS Archive
*Flow values from SCE Flow Phone. For current information call 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE the flow values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order and according to SCE, will not be serviced until April 21. According to SCE, the diversion at Fairview is expected to remain at 300 cfs for the remainder of April.)

More information concerning flow and weather can be found on our LINKS page.

River Notes for Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Important information about River Notes.

Make your plans now! The 44th Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival is April 19-20. The flow is expected to be up this year and Brush Creek should be crankin'. The Festival will feature two days of non-stop action with the Brush Creek Race, Raft Races, and Poker Run on Saturday; and the Raffle, Silent Auction, Downriver Race and TJ Slalom Race Sunday.

The results for the 2007-2008 Kern snowpack are in. With 16 of 17 snow courses measured, the snowpack stands at 118% of normal! This compares to 19% last season and more than 127% in the big water season of 2005-2006.

Raft Trips and Kayaking Classes have started! Trips and classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early. Use our interactive Raft Trip Reservation form to compare the details of the rafting trips we offer!

Check out all the new 2008 boats in the New Boat Barn: 2008 Jackson Hero, Star & Super Fun; Dagger Agent 6.0 & Agent 6.4; Wavesport Diesel 65 & Diesel 75; Liquid Logic Jefe, Jefe Chico, Jefe Grande, Remix 47 Kids, Remix 59, Remix 69, & Remix 79. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

Our world-famous Lickety-Split and Lickety-Blaster raft trips are far and away the two most popular and most affordable Class 2-3 whitewater rafting runs available on the Kern River. Both are full of enough excitement to challenge just about everyone from young tikes to grandmas and grandpas. Looking for more adrenalin? Try our new Upper Kern and Forks trips. Download our 2011 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (PDF) for more information!

Learn to kayak! Our proven teaching method takes you through a gradual progression that maximizes the fun. We've designed our beginning class for those who have never river kayaked before, or who have played around with kayaking some, but have not had formal instruction in the fundamentals of river kayaking. We also offer a 5-day total immersion learn-to-kayak class. Our Kayaking School page has all the details on these, and other whitewater and lake touring kayak classes!

Become a Sierra South whitewater raft guide and have the opportunity to guide guests on the Forks of the Kern and Upper Kern River. From beginning whitewater to heart-thumping class V, we offer a variety of trips. If you have not guided before or would like to brush up on your skills, check out our Guide School program and apply.

Many of our new and used 2007 boats remain on sale -- All Star's, Hero's, Rocker's & Tripper's; Wavesport Project's, Habitat's and more!

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2008 season will mark our 23rd year on the Kern River!

We are always looking for staff members who are energetic, self-motivated, enjoy the out-of-doors, team players and above all else, willing to provide exceptional guest services. Employment opportunities typically include river guides, kayak instructors, seasonal office staff, reservationists, food service manager, retail sales associates, bus drivers and photographers. Please see our Employment Information page for more information.

We talk a lot about the "Kern River basin" in Rivernotes. During the Winter, we frequently refer to the Upper Tyndall Creek, Pascoes, and Wet Meadows snow sensors. During the paddling season, it might be Limestone, The Forks, Kern Falls, or Kernville. Here's a satellite overview of the 1000 square mile N.F. Kern drainage area with a few of the features labeled. If you look near the bottom of the photo, you'll see Lake Isabella. We're located just north of the lake!

Here is a snapshot of today's flow and reservoir data, based on reports from the Corps of Engineers (COE) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Click on "Current" to get the latest COE info. For SCE flow information, call the flow phone at 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE, the flow phone values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order and according to SCE, will not be serviced until April 21. According to SCE, the diversion at Fairview is expected to remain at 300 cfs for the remainder of April.)


 

Upper Kern

Lower Kern

Above Fairview* Below Fairview* At Kernville Lake Isabella Below Democrat Dam*
Date & Time Flow (cfs) Flow (cfs) Stage Flow (cfs) Total Outflow to River to Borel Canal Storage
(acre-feet)
Flow (cfs)
08APR2008 1000 n/a n/a 6.22 972 727 218 509 158303

n/a

Kern Flow Info Current 5 Day Plot 10 Day Plot Month WY '07 WY '06 WY '05 WY '04 WY '03
Weather NWS NWS Zones CNN Washington Post Satellite Radar Riverkern RAWS RAWS Archive
*Flow values from SCE Flow Phone. For current information call 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE the flow values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order and according to SCE, will not be serviced until April 21. According to SCE, the diversion at Fairview is expected to remain at 300 cfs for the remainder of April.)

More information concerning flow and weather can be found on our LINKS page.

Store: 760-376-3745  Mail Order: 800-376-7303  Reservations: 800-457-2082

Menu Bar Visit the Sierra South Online Store! Get the latest flows, weather, and info! Go Rafting on the Kern River! Learn to Kayak! Learn to Climb! The Kern River Gallery Links, Links, Links! Request Additional Information Information about our Outfitters Store The Kern River View or Download our Catalog
E-STORE - NEWS - RAFTING - KAYAKING - CLIMBING- GALLERY - LINKS - MORE INFO - OUR STORE - THE RIVER - CATALOG - HOME

Copyright © 1996-2011 Sierra South, Inc. All Rights Reserved.