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 Thursday, September 27, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

An unseasonably strong upper level low produced some snow at higher elevations of the Sierra last weekend. Some of that snow can be seen on the peaks near Tioga Pass in this UCSD web cam photo. The Tioga Pass Entrance Station elevation is about 9,945 feet.

The Kern River basin did get a little snow. The snow sensor at Pascoes recorded about 0.4 inch water equivalent of snow, which works out to 3 or 4 inches of snow. Most of this has already melted. A much weaker upper level low and trough could produce some clouds and a chance of a shower in the Sierra Friday into Saturday.

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. As a result, most longer range outlooks are similar to this Nov-Dec-Jan Precipitation Outlook, issued September 20 by the CPC.

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. Note that in the area of the Kern the projection is for an "equal chance" of below normal, near normal, or above normal precipitation.

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.

Also, be sure to check out all the paddling apparel and gear we have on sale in the Sierra South River Store. Hot tip: Use the Advanced Search page and check "Only Sale Items."

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!

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!

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, September 20, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

An unseasonably cold, deep and energetic upper level low spinning off the coast of California has brought with it Winter like temperatures and a chance of showers, thunderstorms, and snow at the higher elevations. The snow level in the Southern Sierra is forecast to start out at about 8000 ft. today, and then drop down to around 6500 ft. on Saturday.

This morning's NAM computer model projects almost an inch water equivalent of precipitation in the area near Kern Point in the Kern River Basin, between now and midday Saturday. This could result in 6-10 inches of snow at higher elevations. A medium range computer model hints at a chance of additional precipitation week after next. We'll see!

Virtually all international dynamic coupled climate models are forecasting cooler equatorial Pacific SSTs this Fall, trending towards neutral conditions this Spring. As a result, most longer range outlooks are similar to this Nov-Dec-Jan Precipitation Outlook, issued September 20 by the CPC.

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. Note that in the area of the Kern the projection is for an "equal chance" of below normal, near normal, or above normal precipitation.

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.

Also, be sure to check out all the paddling apparel and gear we have on sale in the Sierra South River Store. Hot tip: Use the Advanced Search page and check "Only Sale Items."

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.

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.

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 2008 season will mark our 23rd 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 Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Important information about River Notes.

Virtually all international dynamic coupled climate models are forecasting cooler equatorial Pacific SSTs this Fall, trending towards neutral conditions this Spring. As a result, most longer range outlooks are similar to this Nov-Dec-Jan Precipitation Outlook from the CPC, and 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.

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.

Also, be sure to check out all the paddling apparel and gear we have on sale in the Sierra South River Store. Hot tip: Use the Advanced Search page and check "Only Sale Items."

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.

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.

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 2008 season will mark our 23rd 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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