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 • 2009 Raft Guide School Info • 2009 Class Info • 2009 Event Calendar • Kern Festival 2008 Photos & Results • "Around the Kern" Resource Guide • Employment Information • News from the Past...

Updated 10/03/08 o The first serious cloud seeding program in California began in 1948 on Bishop Creek in the Owens River basin for California Electric Power Co. Precipitation enhancement in the form of cloud seeding has been practiced continuously in several California river basins since the early 1950s. Most projects are along the central and southern Sierra Nevada with some in the coast ranges. More. o Spectacular mountains, rivers and open spaces in California’s Eastern Sierra and San Gabriel Mountains are closer to gaining permanent protection today after a hearing in the Senate Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee. More. o From farmers to fishermen, from the feds to the Yurok nation, all sides spent the past two years hammering out a deal that hinges on the destruction of four hydroelectric dams along the Klamath River. If those four dams come down, it would be the largest dam removal in U.S. history. More. o The Roadless Areas Conservation Rule is an administrative rule adopted by the U.S. Forest Service in January 2001 to protect the last remaining wildlands in our national forest system. It places about one-third of the national forest system's total acreage off-limits to virtually all road building and logging. (More than half of our national forest land is already open to such activity.) This protection is the only way to spare roadless areas from the severe damage that roads and intense development like clearcut logging have done to other parts of our national forests. More. o One of the most hotly debated topics on Earth is the issue of climate change, and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) data centers are central to answering some of the most pressing global change questions that remain unresolved. The National Climatic Data Center contains the instrumental records that can precisely define the nature of climatic fluctuations at time scales of a up to a century. Among the diverse kinds of data platforms whose data contribute to NCDC's armamentarium are: Ships, buoys, weather stations, balloons, satellites, and aircraft. 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, April 23, 2009

Important information about River Notes.

Temps were in the eighties and the flow at Kernville about 750-800 cfs for the 45th Kern River Festival. Many thanks to the paddlers, spectators, sponsors and all the volunteers that help put on the event. An extra special "Thank You!" goes to Terry Valle who spearheads the organization of the Festival; and Eric & Rebecca Giddens who run the Brush Creek races and set the slalom course.

Shaun Smith, Tanya Faux and Evan Moore took top honors in their respective divisions in the first running of the "Kern Triple Crown." Using the same boat for all three events, paddlers competed in a downriver race on Brush Creek, an extreme slalom race on Brush Creek, and a run on the T.J. Slalom course in Riverside Park.

In the T.J. Slalom on Sunday, Eric Giddens took first in the Men's Expert Elite class, and Rebecca Giddens first in the Women's Expert Elite class. U.S. National Junior Team member Nick Wilkening won the Junior Men's class, 4 seconds behind Eric. Festival results and photos are now available on the KVRC web site.

At noon today the Kern at Kernville reached 1500 cfs -- an excellent level for kayaking and rafting the Upper Kern. Take advantage of Early Bird pricing and enroll in a Kayaking 101 class! Our raft trips and kayaking classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early.

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 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (PDF) for more information! Reserve your 2009 trip now!

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!

We are excited about two new boats from Jackson, the Little Hero and the 2-person Dynamic Duo. The Little Hero is much smaller than the regular Hero, but bigger than the kid’s Side Kick. It will be a great boat for the 90 lb and up teenager, and adults who are too small for the regular Hero. The 2 person Dynamic Duo should be a gas to paddle! An experienced paddler could show a beginning paddler how to ferry, catch eddies, and other basic skills, or take Class II-III paddlers down some harder runs. It is easy to tandem roll and very forgiving.

We also have the new 2009 Liquidlogic Biscuit 45, 55, 65 and Wavesport Diesel 60, 70, 80 in stock, as well as new Wilderness Systems Rippers, Tarpons, and Pungos, and the Dagger Zeydeco. See all the new boats in our New Boat Barn. We have a Layaway Program (PDF) available.

April 1 snow course measurements are now in. With all but one course measured the Kern snowpack is reported at a lower than expected 73% of normal. A plus is that temperatures at the higher elevations this April have been relatively cool, conserving the snowpack. There has even been a little snow. We'll see how the pack compares to last year's when the May 1 course measurements are reported.

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.

Want to check on the Kern snowpack and see where the snow sensors and snow courses are located? We've put together a Kern River Basin Snow Courses & Sensors Google Earth KMZ file mashup that shows the station locations in Google Earth and links to the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC) data page for each station.

Describing the numerous on-river and off-river recreation options, the July/August 2008 issue of Paddler Magazine selected Kernville as one of the 'Best Paddling Towns' in the U.S. The article rated Kernville a 5-star weekend destination and a 5-star 'Near Home' vacation destination. The 2009 Kern River Festival is April 18-19, make your plans now!

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2009 season will mark our 24th year on the Kern River!

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 Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Important information about River Notes.

It may be cool and windy today, but the weather for the 45th Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival and 7th Annual Sierra South Spring Sale this weekend, April 18-19, promises to be the best in years, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the eighties. Check out this BUFLIT forecast of temperatures for Bakersfield over the next few days!

This year's Kern River Festival will feature two days of non-stop action with the Brush Creek Race, Slalom practice, and Poker Run on Saturday; and the Jackson Kayak Boat Raffle, Silent Auction, Downriver Race and TJ Slalom Race Sunday. There will be a special Inflatable Kayak class in the slalom for novice paddlers, with equipment provided by Sierra South and Hyside. Brush Creek racers will be challenged to test their skills in the Kern Triple Crown.

For the Festival weekend only, we will be offering great deals on all sorts of hot new boating equipment. Boats, paddles, gear… EVERYTHING! Sat-Sun 9am-5pm April 18th & 19th. Don’t miss it! This is a great time to get the gear you need and not miss a stroke of the 2009 boating season!

Raft trips and kayaking classes have started! Take advantage of Early Bird pricing and enroll in a Kayaking 101 class! Our raft trips and kayaking classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early.

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 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (PDF) for more information! Reserve your 2009 trip now!

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!

We are excited about two new boats from Jackson, the Little Hero and the 2-person Dynamic Duo. The Little Hero is much smaller than the regular Hero, but bigger than the kid’s Side Kick. It will be a great boat for the 90 lb and up teenager, and adults who are too small for the regular Hero. The 2 person Dynamic Duo should be a gas to paddle! An experienced paddler could show a beginning paddler how to ferry, catch eddies, and other basic skills, or take Class II-III paddlers down some harder runs. It is easy to tandem roll and very forgiving.

We also have the new 2009 Liquidlogic Biscuit 45, 55, 65 and Wavesport Diesel 60, 70, 80 in stock, as well as new Wilderness Systems Rippers, Tarpons, and Pungos, and the Dagger Zeydeco. See all the new boats in our New Boat Barn. We have a Layaway Program (PDF) available.

April 1 snow course measurements are now in. With all but one course measured the Kern snowpack is reported at a lower than expected 73% of normal. A plus is that temperatures at the higher elevations this April have been relatively cool, conserving the snowpack. There has even been a little snow. We'll see how the pack compares to last year's when the May 1 course measurements are reported.

Become a Sierra South whitewater raft guide and have the opportunity to guide guests on the Forks of the Kern and Upper Kern River. From beginning whitewater to heart-thumping class V, we offer a variety of trips. If you have not guided before or would like to brush up on your skills, check out our Guide School program and apply.

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.

Want to check on the Kern snowpack and see where the snow sensors and snow courses are located? We've put together a Kern River Basin Snow Courses & Sensors Google Earth KMZ file mashup that shows the station locations in Google Earth and links to the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC) data page for each station.

Describing the numerous on-river and off-river recreation options, the July/August 2008 issue of Paddler Magazine selected Kernville as one of the 'Best Paddling Towns' in the U.S. The article rated Kernville a 5-star weekend destination and a 5-star 'Near Home' vacation destination. The 2009 Kern River Festival is April 18-19, make your plans now!

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2009 season will mark our 24th year on the Kern River!

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, April 6, 2009

Important information about River Notes.

Congratulations to Kern paddler Nick Wilkening who qualified for the 2009 U.S. Whitewater Slalom Junior National Team this past weekend at the Junior Trials at Nantahala Outdoor Center in western North Carolina. Nick paddled well on the Nantahala Falls course, qualifying second in K1. Nick's coach is Pam Hoyer, whose son Stein Beals qualified for the Junior Team in 2008.

Raft trips and kayaking classes have started! Take advantage of Early Bird pricing and enroll in a Kayaking 101 class! Our raft trips and kayaking classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early.

Olympic Gold Medallist Joe Jacobi recently paddled Brush Creek with Evan Moore -- son of Sierra South's Tom Moore. Check out Joe's YouTube video Kayaking Quarterback.

Make your plans now, the 7th Annual Sierra South Spring Sale and the 45th Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival are the weekend of April 18-19, 2009! For one weekend only, we will be offering great deals on all sorts of hot new boating equipment. Boats, paddles, gear… EVERYTHING! Sat-Sun 9am-5pm April 18th & 19th. Don’t miss it! This is a great time to get the gear you need and not miss a stroke of the 2009 boating season!

This year's Kern River Festival will feature two days of non-stop action with the Brush Creek Race, Slalom practice, and Poker Run on Saturday; and the Raffle, Silent Auction, Downriver Race and TJ Slalom Race Sunday. There will be a special Inflatable Kayak class in the slalom for novice paddlers, with equipment provided by Sierra South and Hyside. Brush Creek racers will be challenged to test their skills in the Kern Triple Crown.

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 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (PDF) for more information! Reserve your 2009 trip now!

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!

Yesterday President Obama signed into law the Omnibus Public Lands Act, extending federal protection to more than 2 million acres and 86 rivers in nine states. Included in the Act are provisions to extend Wild & Scenic protection to eight rivers in California, including 7.25 miles of Piru Creek downstream of Pyramid Lake. Piru Creek is the first stream in Los Angeles County to be protected by inclusion in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System.

We recently received our first shipment of two exciting new boats from Jackson, the Little Hero and the 2-person Dynamic Duo. The Little Hero is much smaller than the regular Hero, but bigger than the kid’s Side Kick. It will be a great boat for the 90 lb and up teenager, and adults who are too small for the regular Hero. The 2 person Dynamic Duo should be a gas to paddle! An experienced paddler could show a beginning paddler how to ferry, catch eddies, and other basic skills, or take Class II-III paddlers down some harder runs. It is easy to tandem roll and very forgiving.

We also have the new 2009 Liquidlogic Biscuit 45, 55, 65 and Wavesport Diesel 60, 70, 80 in stock, as well as new Wilderness Systems Rippers, Tarpons, and Pungos, and the Dagger Zeydeco. See all the new boats in our New Boat Barn. We have a Layaway Program (PDF) available.

April 1 snow course measurements are just starting to come in. It looks like the Kern snowpack will probably be about 80% of normal. A plus is that temperatures at the higher elevations this Spring have been relatively cool, conserving the snowpack. At the moment it looks like this pattern will continue into April, with some additional snow in the Sierra a possibility. We'll see!

Become a Sierra South whitewater raft guide and have the opportunity to guide guests on the Forks of the Kern and Upper Kern River. From beginning whitewater to heart-thumping class V, we offer a variety of trips. If you have not guided before or would like to brush up on your skills, check out our Guide School program and apply.

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.

Want to check on the Kern snowpack and see where the snow sensors and snow courses are located? We've put together a Kern River Basin Snow Courses & Sensors Google Earth KMZ file mashup that shows the station locations in Google Earth and links to the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC) data page for each station.

Describing the numerous on-river and off-river recreation options, the July/August 2008 issue of Paddler Magazine selected Kernville as one of the 'Best Paddling Towns' in the U.S. The article rated Kernville a 5-star weekend destination and a 5-star 'Near Home' vacation destination. The 2009 Kern River Festival is April 18-19, make your plans now!

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2009 season will mark our 24th year on the Kern River!

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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