River Notes Archive

• Sierra South Rapid! News Feed! • 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 10/14/06 o American Rivers marked the 38th Anniversary of the signing of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by announcing a challenge to designate 40 new Wild & Scenic rivers by the 40th Anniversary in 2008. That initiative notched its first win with passage of legislation to designate a section of the Black Butte River and its tributary Cold Creek in California. 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 Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

Summer-like weather is expected for the Memorial Day weekend with good paddling on the Lickety-Split, Limestone, and Forks runs. It may be a light snowpack year, but the water is still wet and the paddling fun!

The COE reports that the average inflow to Lake Isabella was 986 cfs yesterday. The peak daily average inflow to Lake Isabella this season was recorded on May 19 with a flow of 1017 cfs. The Kern at Kernville peaked at a stage of 6.33 and a flow of 1124 cfs at 5:00 p.m. on Friday May 18, and then reached a stage of 6.30 and a flow of 1100 cfs at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday May 19.

According to the COE the Kern at Kernville gage is currently being serviced and should be back in operation soon. In the meantime 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. The Isabella Dam Scheduled Releases MAY be indicative of the flow at Borel on the Lower Kern. (Update 05/25/07. The Kern at Kernville gage appears to be back in operation.)

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!

Dry top not dry? The Mack Drytop was recently reviewed as " The Driest Drytop Out There" by Rapid magazine. It is made with 100% Nylon 3 ply waterproof/breathable Siphon Zone laminate fabric.This drytop's dry surface will stay 80% efficient after 100 washings. This is 90% longer than a standard Gore-tex outerwear drytop! This is the future of drytop paddling gear, built to the highest expectations of paddlers.

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!

If you are looking for a new boat, check out the recreational, touring, whitewater kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and kayaks in our Boat Barns. We have new Jackson, Liquid Logic, Pyranha, and Wave Sport kayaks in stock and ready to ship! Bring up your old boat and let us sell it on consignment in the Used Boat Barn. We have great results selling used boats. Call us @ 760-376-3745 for details.

Need paddling gear? Before you buy gear from a store that only exists on a computer, check out our River Store. We're located in Kernville, California, just yards from the Kern River. We are river people. Our river guides, kayak instructors, and outfitter store employees actually use the products we sell. Need help? Call us, and you'll talk to a knowledgeable person that can answer your gear questions.

Sierra South has finished hiring for the 2007 boating season. 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.

The “off-season” at Sierra South has been a very busy one! Permits became available from the US Forest Service to run the Upper Kern, Forks of the Kern and Lower Kern River sections. After a few crazy months of putting together a proposal and waiting for word to come from the US Forest Service, Sierra South heard the news that we have been selected to provide commercial outfitter and guide services for whitewater boating on the Forks of the Kern and Upper Kern River.

The US Forest Service has issued Sierra South a temporary permit that will be converted to a priority permit after completion of a successful 1 year probationary period. What does this mean to our customers and friends? Sierra South will be offering much, much more for your Rafting and Kayaking pleasure! Keep an eye on our web site in the next few months to check out all the exciting new trips and classes we will be offering. A special THANK YOU to all our friends who helped during this process with letters and support!

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!

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2007 season will mark our 22nd year on the Kern River!

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 Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

Flows on the Upper Kern have hit at least 1000 cfs every day since Saturday, and it looks like it will do so again today. On Sunday at 6:00 p.m. the COE gage in Kernville recorded a stage of 6.24 and a flow of 1054 cfs -- the highest so far this season.

In its latest Snowmelt Forecast released May 16, the CNRFC has slightly revised the date for the one day peak inflow to Lake Isabella to around May 20 with a projected 24 hour average inflow for the day of around 1160 cfs. Note that this inflow projection is an average over 24 hours and the hourly peak flow would normally be somewhat higher. We'll see!

Dry top not dry? The Mack Drytop was recently reviewed as " The Driest Drytop Out There" by Rapid magazine. It is made with 100% Nylon 3 ply waterproof/breathable Siphon Zone laminate fabric.This drytop's dry surface will stay 80% efficient after 100 washings. This is 90% longer than a standard Gore-tex outerwear drytop! This is the future of drytop paddling gear, built to the highest expectations of paddlers.

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.

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!

If you are looking for a new boat, check out the recreational, touring, whitewater kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and kayaks in our Boat Barns. We have new Jackson, Liquid Logic, Pyranha, and Wave Sport kayaks in stock and ready to ship! Bring up your old boat and let us sell it on consignment in the Used Boat Barn. We have great results selling used boats. Call us @ 760-376-3745 for details.

Need paddling gear? Before you buy gear from a store that only exists on a computer, check out our River Store. We're located in Kernville, California, just yards from the Kern River. We are river people. Our river guides, kayak instructors, and outfitter store employees actually use the products we sell. Need help? Call us, and you'll talk to a knowledgeable person that can answer your gear questions.

Despite gloom and doom forecasts for bad weather, much of the weekend was partly cloudy and rain free, and those who participated in the 43rd Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival had a great time. Many thanks to the paddlers, spectators, sponsors and all the volunteers that helped put on the event; and an extra special "Thank You!" to Terry Valle who spearheads the organization of the Festival year after year. Results and photos are now available on the KVRC web site.

Sierra South has finished hiring for the 2007 boating season. 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.

The “off-season” at Sierra South has been a very busy one! Permits became available from the US Forest Service to run the Upper Kern, Forks of the Kern and Lower Kern River sections. After a few crazy months of putting together a proposal and waiting for word to come from the US Forest Service, Sierra South heard the news that we have been selected to provide commercial outfitter and guide services for whitewater boating on the Forks of the Kern and Upper Kern River.

The US Forest Service has issued Sierra South a temporary permit that will be converted to a priority permit after completion of a successful 1 year probationary period. What does this mean to our customers and friends? Sierra South will be offering much, much more for your Rafting and Kayaking pleasure! Keep an eye on our web site in the next few months to check out all the exciting new trips and classes we will be offering. A special THANK YOU to all our friends who helped during this process with letters and support!

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!

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2007 season will mark our 22nd year on the Kern River!

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 Friday, May 11, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

Flows on the Upper Kern are back over 900 cfs this afternoon. At 4:00 p.m. the COE was reporting a flow of 916 cfs at Kernville and it appears it will go a little higher. Whether the flow will exceed the previous peak of 1002 cfs recorded at 7:00 p.m. on May 2 we'll have to see!

In its latest Snowmelt Forecast released May 9, the CNRFC continues to project the date for the one day peak inflow to Lake Isabella will be around May 21 with a projected 24 hour average inflow for the day of around 1160 cfs. Note that this inflow projection is an average over 24 hours and the hourly peak flow would normally be somewhat higher. We'll see!

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.

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!

If you are looking for a new boat, check out the recreational, touring, whitewater kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and kayaks in our Boat Barns. We have new Jackson, Liquid Logic, Pyranha, and Wave Sport kayaks in stock and ready to ship! Bring up your old boat and let us sell it on consignment in the Used Boat Barn. We have great results selling used boats. Call us @ 760-376-3745 for details.

Need paddling gear? Before you buy gear from a store that only exists on a computer, check out our River Store. We're located in Kernville, California, just yards from the Kern River. We are river people. Our river guides, kayak instructors, and outfitter store employees actually use the products we sell. Need help? Call us, and you'll talk to a knowledgeable person that can answer your gear questions.

Despite gloom and doom forecasts for bad weather, much of the weekend was partly cloudy and rain free, and those who participated in the 43rd Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival had a great time. Many thanks to the paddlers, spectators, sponsors and all the volunteers that helped put on the event; and an extra special "Thank You!" to Terry Valle who spearheads the organization of the Festival year after year. Results and photos are now available on the KVRC web site.

Sierra South has finished hiring for the 2007 boating season. 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.

The “off-season” at Sierra South has been a very busy one! Permits became available from the US Forest Service to run the Upper Kern, Forks of the Kern and Lower Kern River sections. After a few crazy months of putting together a proposal and waiting for word to come from the US Forest Service, Sierra South heard the news that we have been selected to provide commercial outfitter and guide services for whitewater boating on the Forks of the Kern and Upper Kern River.

The US Forest Service has issued Sierra South a temporary permit that will be converted to a priority permit after completion of a successful 1 year probationary period. What does this mean to our customers and friends? Sierra South will be offering much, much more for your Rafting and Kayaking pleasure! Keep an eye on our web site in the next few months to check out all the exciting new trips and classes we will be offering. A special THANK YOU to all our friends who helped during this process with letters and support!

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!

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2007 season will mark our 22nd year on the Kern River!

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, May 3, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

Flows have come up on the Upper Kern and reached the highest levels seen so far this season. A revised COE report generated this afternoon, shows that yesterday at 7:00 p.m. the Kern River at Kernville reached a stage of 6.17 and a flow of 1002 cfs. The revised 24 hour average inflow to Lake Isabella was reported at 918 cfs, which is the highest daily average inflow so far this season.

In its latest Snowmelt Forecast released May 2, the CNRFC has revised the projected date for the one day peak inflow to Lake Isabella to May 21 with a projected 24 hour average inflow for the day of around 1160 cfs. Note that this inflow projection is an average over 24 hours and the hourly peak flow would normally be somewhat higher. We'll see!

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.

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!

Despite gloom and doom forecasts for bad weather, much of the weekend was partly cloudy and rain free, and those who participated in the 43rd Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival had a great time. Many thanks to the paddlers, spectators, sponsors and all the volunteers that helped put on the event; and an extra special "Thank You!" to Terry Valle who spearheads the organization of the Festival year after year. Results and photos are now available on the KVRC web site.

If you are looking for a new boat, check out the recreational, touring, whitewater kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and kayaks in our Boat Barns. We have new Jackson, Liquid Logic, Pyranha, and Wave Sport kayaks in stock and ready to ship! Bring up your old boat and let us sell it on consignment in the Used Boat Barn. We have great results selling used boats. Call us @ 760-376-3745 for details.

Need paddling gear? Before you buy gear from a store that only exists on a computer, check out our River Store. We're located in Kernville, California, just yards from the Kern River. We are river people. Our river guides, kayak instructors, and outfitter store employees actually use the products we sell. Need help? Call us, and you'll talk to a knowledgeable person that can answer your gear questions.

Sierra South has finished hiring for the 2007 boating season. 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.

The “off-season” at Sierra South has been a very busy one! Permits became available from the US Forest Service to run the Upper Kern, Forks of the Kern and Lower Kern River sections. After a few crazy months of putting together a proposal and waiting for word to come from the US Forest Service, Sierra South heard the news that we have been selected to provide commercial outfitter and guide services for whitewater boating on the Forks of the Kern and Upper Kern River.

The US Forest Service has issued Sierra South a temporary permit that will be converted to a priority permit after completion of a successful 1 year probationary period. What does this mean to our customers and friends? Sierra South will be offering much, much more for your Rafting and Kayaking pleasure! Keep an eye on our web site in the next few months to check out all the exciting new trips and classes we will be offering. A special THANK YOU to all our friends who helped during this process with letters and support!

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!

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2007 season will mark our 22nd year on the Kern River!

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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