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 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 Friday, November 30, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

An upper level low off the Baja coast is spinning moisture into Southern California and producing a little snow in the Southern Sierra. This web cam view toward Tobias Peak is from the Breckenridge Fire Lookout at 7548 ft. in Sequoia National Forest. The photo is from about 8:30 this morning.

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 Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

Kern River Fly Fishing shop, across from Sierra South, sponsored a river cleanup on November 10th . Judy, Donni, Marianne, and Marc from Sierra South along with friends and family pitched in to help Guy Jeans, owner of the Fly Fishing shop and guide service. FS River Ranger Brian Cosgrove gave us a safety talk and provided the trash bags. It was a great turn out with 45 people participating. We scattered along the Upper Kern River focusing on areas close to the river where the trash would be underwater or swept downstream with the spring run off. The trash was not so pretty, but it felt good to be doing something for the river we love. Brian and Guy hauled away 10 truckloads of trash!

Clear and breezy weather is forecast for the Sierra this Thanksgiving, with lows in the teens in the colder locations. Medium range models are hinting at a chance of some snow around the end of the month. With the holidays here, our thoughts turn to family and friends. If you're thinking about trying to get a little shopping done, cuddle up closer to the fireplace with your laptop and warm beverage and see the cool stuff we have for you!

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, November 8, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

There's a chance of snow in the Sierra high country tomorrow, and here in the foothills November has brought a welcome chill to the air. With Thanksgiving approaching our thoughts have turned to family, friends, snow and shopping for the winter holidays. So cuddle up closer to the fireplace with your laptop and warm beverage and see the cool stuff we have for you!

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.

Kernville locals Tom Gelder and Dennis Veale have been taking advantage of the great Autumn weather and doing low water runs on Thunder Run and Cable. Judging from Tom's water drenched smile, they're having a great time.

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.

Virtually all international dynamic coupled climate models are forecasting cooler equatorial Pacific SSTs this Fall, trending towards neutral conditions this Spring and Summer. As a result, most longer range outlooks are similar to this Dec-Jan-Feb Precipitation Outlook, issued October 18 by the Climate Prediction Center.

This outlook is somewhat typical of a La Niña, with an increased chance of higher than normal precipitation in the Pacific northwest and a increased chance of lower than normal precipitation in the southwest. In the area of the Kern the projection is for an "equal chance" of below normal, near normal, or above normal precipitation.

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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