River Notes Archive

• Shop at the Sierra South River Store! • Check which New Kayaks are on Sale! • Browse New & Used Kayaks, Rafts & Gear! • Kayak Comparison Chart • 2007 Class Info • 2007 Event Calendar • Kern Festival 2007 Photos & Results • "Around the Kern" Resource Guide • Employment Information • News from the Past...

Updated 5/31/07 o Rivers come in all shapes and sizes, and vary from pristine to heavily polluted, but it’s generally safe to assume that water is a common denominator among them. For the Santa Fe, 2007’s Most Endangered River, water is the missing ingredient, leaving this once-thriving river a dry, weed-choked ditch most of the year. The Santa Fe River can thrive again. More. o In a major victory for wildlife protection, federal Magistrate Judge Elizabeth La Porte of the Northern District of California today threw out a controversial Bush administration Roadless Rule and reinstated protections for over 58 million acres of roadless National Forests, making them off-limits to logging, road construction, and other development. More. o Summer 2006 was the second warmest June-to-August period in the continental U.S. since records began in 1895, according to scientists at the NOAA National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C. Additionally, the 2006 January-to-August period was the warmest on record for the continental U.S. More. o The globe is warming, but the American West is really cooking - hotter and faster on average than the rest of the U.S. and the world, according to a leading climate researcher. 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 Monday, December 31, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

The Southern Sierra will end 2007 with the snowpack at about 74% of normal -- ahead of the Northern section at 65% and Central section at about 53% of normal. However the first week of 2008 may usher in one of the strongest Pacific storms to affect California in some time, and by Monday of next week, Sierra snowpack totals may have increased dramatically. (Note: Actual snowpack figures from California Cooperative Snow Surveys for 12/31/07 were South: 69%, Central: 56%, North: 67%.)

CIRA Blended TPW loops show energy and moisture associated with tropical forcing in Indonesia being transferred into the the mid-latitudes, priming the system. Additional moisture is being drawn into the system from the tropics near Hawaii, and the GFS indicates a tropical connection as the system moves into California.

Details are likely to change as the week progresses, but at the moment an ARL analysis of 12z GFS data generates about 4.5 inches of precipitation in the Southern Sierra in the area of Kern Point in the Thursday to Sunday timeframe. When orographic enhancement is factored in, the system looks like it has the potential to be a prodigious producer of snow at the middle elevations (~6500') and above. We'll see!

Santa must be excited about all the new snow -- we just received a surprise delivery of 2008 boats! Check out the 2008 Jackson 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.

At Sierra South we are always eternally optimistic for another great season of paddling because in our minds, we have had 22 wonderful paddling years on our beloved Wild & Scenic Kern River and we can’t wait to be paddling in number 23.  Just as important to us however, are you, our paddling patrons and friends. It is your support of our family-owned local business that allows all of us to enjoy the Kern paddling in the newest and best gear and equipment on the market. (And with the friendliest and best staff in the West!) We've gathered some paddling gear, sale items, and stocking stuffers sure to please everyone. Check out our Holiday Goodies section in the River Store.

Ask Harry Potter, you don't argue with elves, and ours insisted we “Holiday Price” all of our new and used 2007 boats for you. You should be humming “Ho-ho-ho, not much dough!” very soon. Sweet. Jackson Fun's, All Star's, Hero's, Rocker's & Tripper's; Wavesport Project's and Habitat's and more -- they're all on sale.

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! If you are interested in a rafting trip or kayaking class next season, book now and lock in 2007 prices. 2008 pricing goes into effect January 1st.

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.

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!

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 2007 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (1.9Mb PDF) for more information!

Remember that the SCE flow phone (877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821) can be called to obtain the flow on the Upper Kern above and below Fairview Dam, and the flow below Democrat Dam on the Lower Kern. (Other flows reported on the flow phone are obtained from COE reports and may not be up to date.) If data from the COE flow report is not available, the Isabella Dam Scheduled Releases MAY be indicative of the flow at Borel on the Lower Kern.

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.

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

River Notes for Thursday, December 20, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

More snow! Tuesday's storm added another 1.0 to 2.0 inches snow water equivalent (SWE) to the Kern River basin snowpack. This morning's average SWE for the seven reporting Kern snow sensors is about 4.1 inches. According to yesterday's Daily Summary of Snow Water Equivalents, the Sierra Southern Section snowpack is at about 75% of normal. The Central Sierra snowpack is reported at 43% and Northern Sierra at 48% of normal.

Santa must be excited about all the new snow -- we just received a surprise delivery of 2008 boats! Check out the 2008 Jackson 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.

At Sierra South we are always eternally optimistic for another great season of paddling because in our minds, we have had 22 wonderful paddling years on our beloved Wild & Scenic Kern River and we can’t wait to be paddling in number 23.  Just as important to us however, are you, our paddling patrons and friends. It is your support of our family-owned local business that allows all of us to enjoy the Kern paddling in the newest and best gear and equipment on the market. (And with the friendliest and best staff in the West!) We've gathered some paddling gear, sale items, and stocking stuffers sure to please everyone. Check out our Holiday Goodies section in the River Store.

Ask Harry Potter, you don't argue with elves, and ours insisted we “Holiday Price” all of our new and used 2007 boats for you. You should be humming “Ho-ho-ho, not much dough!” very soon. Sweet. Jackson Fun's, All Star's, Hero's, Rocker's & Tripper's; Wavesport Project's and Habitat's and more -- they're all on sale.

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! If you are interested in a rafting trip or kayaking class next season, book now and lock in 2007 prices. 2008 pricing goes into effect January 1st.

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.

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!

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 2007 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (1.9Mb PDF) for more information!

Remember that the SCE flow phone (877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821) can be called to obtain the flow on the Upper Kern above and below Fairview Dam, and the flow below Democrat Dam on the Lower Kern. (Other flows reported on the flow phone are obtained from COE reports and may not be up to date.) If data from the COE flow report is not available, the Isabella Dam Scheduled Releases MAY be indicative of the flow at Borel on the Lower Kern.

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.

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

River Notes for Monday, December 10, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

Snow! And as can be seen in this Sherman Peak webcam shot -- lots of it! Last week's storm dumped as much as 4 inches snow water equivalent (SWE) at the middle elevations of the Kern River basin around 8000 ft. This translates to around 40 inches of snow!

This morning's average SWE for all eight Kern snow sensors is about 2.7 inches. California Cooperative Snow Surveys hasn't updated the Daily Summary of Snow Water Equivalents to reflect the new snowfall, but a quick look at other snow sensors suggests the Southern Section snowpack is near — or a little above — normal for December 10. Here's a NRL NexSat MODIS true color satellite image of the Kings and Kern River basins, taken yesterday afternoon.

Santa must be excited about all the new snow -- we just received a surprise delivery of 2008 boats! Check out the 2008 Jackson Star, Dagger Agent 6.0 and Agent 6.4, and Wavesport Diesel 75, and new boats are arriving daily. 2008 Liquid Logic Jefes and Remixes are expected in early next week. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

At Sierra South we are always eternally optimistic for another great season of paddling because in our minds, we have had 22 wonderful paddling years on our beloved Wild & Scenic Kern River and we can’t wait to be paddling in number 23.  Just as important to us however, are you, our paddling patrons and friends. It is your support of our family-owned local business that allows all of us to enjoy the Kern paddling in the newest and best gear and equipment on the market. (And with the friendliest and best staff in the West!) We've gathered some paddling gear, sale items, and stocking stuffers sure to please everyone. Check out our Holiday Goodies section in the River Store.

Ask Harry Potter, you don't argue with elves, and ours insisted we “Holiday Price” all of our new and used 2007 boats for you. You should be humming “Ho-ho-ho, not much dough!” very soon. Sweet. Jackson Fun's, All Star's, Hero's, Rocker's & Tripper's; Wavesport Project's and Habitat's and more -- they're all on sale.

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! If you are interested in a rafting trip or kayaking class next season, book now and lock in 2007 prices. 2008 pricing goes into effect January 1st.

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.

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!

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 2007 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (1.9Mb PDF) for more information!

Remember that the SCE flow phone (877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821) can be called to obtain the flow on the Upper Kern above and below Fairview Dam, and the flow below Democrat Dam on the Lower Kern. (Other flows reported on the flow phone are obtained from COE reports and may not be up to date.) If data from the COE flow report is not available, the Isabella Dam Scheduled Releases MAY be indicative of the flow at Borel on the Lower Kern.

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.

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

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