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American River, South Fork
 Cascading down from the Sierra Nevada runs the West Coast's most popular whitewater resource - the South Fork of the American River. An intermediate (Class III) river, the South Fork American River is suitable for kids 7 to 75! Numerous professional outfitters offer trips ranging from short half-day jaunts on up two-day adventures. The South Fork winds it's way through the heart of the Mother Lode as it passes abandoned mines, tailings, flumes and other artifacts from the Gold Rush era.
| AMERICAN RIVER AT CHILI BAR |
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Below 2000 cfs (cubic feet per second) |
Typical River Conditions
- Chili Bar Dam controls flows
- Clear water
- Rapids rated up to Class III+
- Flows may increase quickly due to upstream hydroelectric operations
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Group Responsibility
- Class III equipment: multi-chamber raft, Type III white water PFD's, full size paddles, throw rope, first aid & wrap kits
- Class III skills - boat in control, allow adequate space between groups in rapids, no loose lines or gear, standard hand signals
- Be trained in swift water safety / rescue, CPR, first aid
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2000 - 4500 cfs |
Typical River Conditions
- Current speed, wave size & hydraulics increase noticeably
- Cold snow melt water during winter and spring months
- Strainer hazards on some river banks
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Group Responsibility
- All of previous responsibilities, plus
- Wet suits/dry suits recommended
- Guide has South Fork high flow experience
- Keep group compact for quick response to swimmers
- No single-boat trips
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4500 - 8000 cfs |
Typical River Conditions
- Large waves & holes can flip boats
- Water always extremely cold
- Hypothermia risk from long swims
- Strainer hazards along entire river
- Flow may increase rapidly, turn silty during and after storms
- Some rapids Class IV (above 6000 cfs)
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Group Responsibility
- All of previous responsibilities, plus
- Wet suits/dry suits necessary. Helmets recommended
- Advanced boating skills required
- Wear high flotation PFD's
- Know routes to avoid boat flips - "When in doubt, scout."
- Rig boat for flips
- Group fitness: Everyone must be able to paddle hard, recover from flips, swim to safety in strong current.
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Warning: Flows above 8,000 cfs demand the utmost respect and caution |
8000 - 12,000 cfs |
Typical River Conditions
- Winter storm flows and harsh weather
- Large floating debris
- Swims are a distinct possibility
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Group Responsibility
- All of previous responsibilities, plus
- Trained safety boaters advised
- Swims may be life threatening due to strainers
- Scout all rapids
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12,000 - 30,000 cfs |
Typical River Conditions
- Difficult to avoid boat flipping waves & holes
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Group Responsibility
- All of previous responsibilities, plus
- Teams of experts only with trained safety boaters
- Rescue & communication gear necessary
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Above 30,000 cfs |
Typical River Conditions
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Group Responsibility
- All of previous responsibilities, plus
- Boating not recommended due to extreme hazards
- River subject to immediate closure
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