River Notes Archive

Raft trips and kayaking classes begin.Upper Kern already over 1000 cfs. California Cooperative Snow Surveys March Snow Course measurements put Kern snowpack at 152% of normal for March 1, and 136% of the normal seasonal (April 1) total.

Mean River Gene (Geno Hacker) and Whitewater Whitman (Lucian Whitman) are co-winners of the annual Whisky Flat Mayor's race! California Cooperative Snow Surveys completes the first Kern snow survey of 2010-2011 season. Despite mostly dry and warm weather in recent weeks, the February 1 Kern snowpack was measured at a remarkable 211% of normal for the date and 129% of the normal seasonal (April 1) total!

Volunteers do an initial survey for Kernville Riverside Park Renovation Project. Summary of Snow Water Equivalents from California Cooperative Snow Surveys put the Southern Section Sierra Snowpack at 227% of normal for the date. This translates to around 100% of the normal seasonal (April 1) snowpack.

Kern River peaks at over 21,000 cfs, and in the same series of storms records the water equivalent of 180 inches of snow. Statewide Summary of Snow Water Content pegs the Southern Section Sierra at 287% of normal for Dec 23. Over the 7-day period from late on December 16 to December 23, the Pascoes snow sensor at 9150 ft. in the Kern River basin records an astonishing 18.5 inches SWE of precipitation. December 2010 one of the wettest on record in Southern California.

California Cooperative Snow Surveys reports the Southern Section Sierra snow water content at 148% of normal. Snow sensors in the Kern River basin record about 1.0 to 2.5 inches snow water equivalent in the first big storm of the 2010-2011 season

Early snow in the Sierra. Great weather and water for the Miracle Whitewater Slalom race. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, the Canyon Fire was 100% contained. MEI plunges from the fifth strongest El Nino for Feb/Mar to the second strongest La Nina for Jul/Aug.

Boatable flows continue on Lower Kern. Canyon Fire burns 9820 acres on Lower Kern. La Nina strengthens. Expected to last through Winter.

Excellent flows on Lower Kern, generally ranging from about 1700 - 2000 cfs.

Best July flow on Upper Kern in years. On July 16 the Upper Kern reported at 1420 cfs, and Lower Kern at 2091 cfs. 7th Annual Lower Kern River Cleanup. Bull Fire burns 6 homes at Riverkern.

Kern River at Kernville (Riverside Park) peaks at a flow of 8662 cfs and stage of 10.31 ft. on Sunday, June 6, at 10:00 a.m. This is the highest peak flow from May/June seasonal snowmelt since at least 1986.

California Cooperative Snow Surveys reports Kern snowpack at 144% of normal for the date. Cool May weather extends the snowmelt. California-Nevada River Forecast Center pushes back its projected 24 hour peak inflow into Lake Isabella to June 9.

California Cooperative Snow Surveys reports the Kern snowpack at 123% of the average April 1 seasonal total. 46th Kern River Festival had the best combination of weather and water the event has seen for several years. First annual Hooligan Boat Race. California-Nevada River Forecast Center projects the 24 hour inflow into Lake Isabella will peak May 29, with an average flow of about 6000 cfs.

Kayaking classes and raft trips begin. California Cooperative Snow reports the Kern snowpack at 130% of the March 1 norm, and 116% of the average April 1 seasonal total. Upper Kern flow hits 1000 cfs before the end of the month.

California Cooperative Snow Surveys reports the Kern snowpack at 132% of normal for the date, and 81% of the average (April 1) seasonal total.

Series of storms reminiscent of the big El Nino years dumps rain and snow on California. Kern Snowpack doubles during the month. Southern Section Sierra snowpack reported at 125%.

MJO strengthens El Nino. Series of storms dumps 2 to 5 ft. on snow in Kern River basin.

Kern River Fly Fishing shop and Sierra South sponsor annual Upper Kern River cleanup. NOAA Winter Outlook favors wetter than average conditions in California.

Strong early season Pacific storm carrying the remnants of West Pacific typhoon Melor hammers California, setting numerous rainfall records, increasing river flows, and producing heavy snow at the higher elevations of the Sierra. Several stations recorded precipitation totals exceeding 10 inches. The Kaweah River at Three Rivers peaked at over 20,000 cfs. In the upper Kern River drainage, precipitation totals generally ranged from 3 to 5 inches. All the rain and snow popped the Upper Kern up to near 3000 cfs. El Nino forecast to strengthen and last through Winter

"Team Jackson" and 2010 All Star big winners at ICF Freestyle World Championships in Thun, Switzerland

With the excellent flows on the Lower Kern, Evan Moore and Spencer Josif have been giving their new 2010 All Stars a good workout at the KRT and Royal Flush playspots.

6th Annual Lower Kern River Cleanup. Flows of 1400-1550 cfs on Lower Kern.

Forest Service boaters meeting. Paddling the new 2010 Jackson All Star, Evan Moore, 13 yr. old son of Tom & Kittie Moore, placed 1st in the Cadet class at the 61st Annual FIBARK Kayak Races in Salida, Colorado. Flow on Upper Kern in 1000-1400 cfs range most of the month.

Kern peaks on Monday, May 18. At 1:00 p.m. at a reported stage of 8.28 and flow of 3382 cfs. Evan Moore, Spencer Josif, and Robert "Swanie" Swan -- all Kern paddlers -- travel up Hwy 395 on the East side of the Sierra to Reno to compete in the 6th annual Reno River Festival.

Nick Wilkening qualifies for the 2009 U.S. Whitewater Slalom Junior National Team. Temps were in the eighties and the flow at Kernville about 750-800 cfs for the 45th Kern River Festival.

snow water content in the Kern River basin is about 88% of normal for the date, up significantly from February's average of 65%. The Spring thaw is starting to happen, and at 11:00 this morning, the Upper Kern was up to about 750 cfs! A cold storm digging down from the north is forecast to bring heavy snow to the mid and higher elevations of the Sierra Saturday afternoon into Sunday.

Since February 5th, a series of upper lows, troughs and shortwaves has produced several feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada. Southern Section Sierra Snowpack has increased from 64% to 84% of normal for the date.

A 200 kt Pacific jet stream pushes up a high amplitude ridge over the West Coast, resulting in dry conditions and record high temperatures. NOAA released their 2008-2009 Winter Outlook. The precipitation outlook for December through February indicates an equal chance of below normal, near normal, or above normal precipitation for California.

Pumpkin kayak. Intense upper level low generates heavy snow in the Southern Sierra. Kern snowpack ends year at or above 100% of normal.

MEI and GWO suggest a Winter Outlook with a La Nina flavor. NOAA releases official Winter Outlook.

Recent MEI values are similar to those leading up to the 1974-75 season. Circulation around a deep low and associated trough is drawing moisture up from the subtropics into California and across the Sierra, producing some light rain and snow.

Jackson Kayak Star series wins 10 out of 15 medals overall in the 2008 Freestyle World Cup

Lower Kern at 1495 cfs on August 11.

Paddler Magazine selects Kernville as one of the 'Best Paddling Towns' in the U.S. KVRC sponsered 5th Annual Lower Kern River Cleanup. Upper Kern drops below 1000 cfs. Lower Kern releases range from about 1100 cfs to 1500 cfs. Evan Moore on the Ottawa.

Stein Beals and Jessica Subido qualify for the USACK Whitewater Slalom National Junior Team. Paddlers on the Forks report that the rapid Vortex has changed. Flow on Upper Kern in 1300-1500 cfs range most of the month.

As forecast by the California-Nevada River Forecast Center, the average 24 hour inflow to Lake Isabella peaked on Tuesday, May 20, at 3553 cfs. According to revised COE data the Kern River at Kernville peaked at 1:00 p.m. on May 20 with an average hourly flow of 4078 cfs.

2007-2008 Kern April 1 snowpack reported at 118%. Blue skies, sunshine and gusty winds were the weather cards drawn for the 44th Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival.

California Cooperative Snow Surveys reports the Kern River Basin snowpack at a whopping 148% of normal for March 1. Upper Kern at Kernville reported at 980 cfs on March 26.

February 1 Kern snow courses reported at 142% of normal. As much as 6 inches snow water equivalent -- about 5 ft. of snow -- recorded by snow sensors in the Kern River basin.

Series of storms increase the Southern Section Sierra Snowpack to 131% of normal. Near the end of January in a La Niña year and the Southern Section of the Sierra snowpack is reported at 125% of normal!

Storm dumps as much as 4 inches snow water equivalent (SWE) at the middle elevations of the Kern River basin. Storm adds another 1.0 to 2.0 inches snow water equivalent (SWE) to the Kern River basin snowpack Southern Sierra ends 2007 with the snowpack at about 74% of normal -- ahead of the Northern section at 65% and Central section at about 53% of normal. More snow forecast.

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.

Update CPC forecast still shows La NIna pattern.

La Nina precipitation pattern is forecast. Unseasonably strong upper level low produced some snow at higher elevations of the Sierra.

Lower water boater options.

Flow at Kernville 668 on June 1.

The Kern at Kernville peaks at a stage of 6.30 and a flow of 1100 cfs on Saturday May 19, with a reported average inflow to Isabella of 1017 cfs.

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.

Raft Trips and Kayaking Classes start with temperatures in the Kernville-Lake Isabella area expected to be in the 70's.

Moisture wrapping around an upper level low produces some snow in the Southern Sierra.

The US Forest Service issues Sierra South permit to expand operations on Upper Kern and the Forks.

The 2006-2007 El Niño has continued to strengthen. Dr. Klaus Wolter's Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) for October/November increased from 1.03 to 1.29. This moves the MEI above the strong El Niño threshold. precipitation outlook for Jan.-Feb.-Mar. continues to reflect the expected impacts from the current El Niño.

The 2006-2007 El Niño has continued to strengthen. Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) for September/October increased from 0.892 to 1.03. NOAA released its final Winter Outlook for the 2006-2007 U.S. Winter season.

Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) for August/September increased to 0.892. Updated Winter Outlook.

Lower Kern at 742 cfs on Sept. 1.

MEI Index has increased dramatically in the past three months to 0.64, which is above the MEI threshold for a weak El Niño

Excellent flows on the Upper and Lower Kern.

Warmer, summer-like weather is melting more Sierra snow and pushing flows back up. COE reports a peak stage and flow on the Kern at Kernville of 9.78 ft. and 7203 cfs on June 6.

Kern at Kernville peaks at 9.82 ft. and 7588 cfs on May 15. Late season storm resulted in heavy snow in some higher elevation areas of the Kern River basin.

Pascoes SWE increases from 24" to 40". Southern Section of the Sierra at 169% of normal for the date. Bulletin 120 run-off forecast projects the inflow to Lake Isabella should range from about 130% to 160% of normal. 2000 cfs for 42nd Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival.

Late season Sierra snow. Southern Section Sierra reported at about 119% of normal.

Unseasonably warm winter temperatures. NOAA announces return of La Nina. Southern Section Sierra reported at about 101% of normal for date.

Snow sensors in Kern basin record snow water equivalent storm totals in excess of 7 inches. Regional Snowpack Summary reports the Southern Section of the Sierra at 195%.

Strong storm systems expected to produce epic amounts of precipitation in the Sierra.

Conveyor belt of moisture results in heavy snow at the higher elevations of Sierra. NOAA and IRI project "equal chance" of a dry, average, or wet Winter in Southern California.

NOAA released its initial Winter Outlook.

Flows on Lower Kern best in years. Paddling the Kern Below Democrat. Sierra Cup Slalom Series.

U.S., Canada, and the Americas compete in the Kern Tripletazo (Big Triple) at Miracle Hot Springs. Rebecca & Eric Giddens, and friends paddle the "Headwaters of the Kern"

Headwaters panorama. Upper Kern flow ends month at about 1000 cfs.

Isabella nearly full at 536,100 acre-feet. Upper Kern flow 3000-5000 cfs. Lower Kern at about 3500 cfs.

Kern River basin snowpack 186% of normal May 1 total. Los Angeles has second wettest rain season on record. Brush Creek race video. Upper Kern peaks at 8211 cfs.

Cool temps and unsettled weather increase Kern snowpack from 163% of normal on March 1 to 184% of normal on April 1. Kern Gold Medal Camp. 41st Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival. Unofficial Brush Creek Race. Upper at 1700 cfs.

"Big year" snowfall comparison.Kern River basin snowpack163% of normal for March 1 and 145% of the average April 1 seasonal total. Kernville temp reaches 85, Upper at 1000 cfs.

Most snow water content for February 1, since February 1997. Wettest rainy season in 115 years in Los Angeles.

Epic series of Pacific storms. Sierra South Section at 251% of normal for the date and 104% of the April 1 average. Southern California streams go ballistic

Kern River basin snowpack at about 120% of normal for the date and 25% of the average seasonal total. El Niño takes a modest upturn -- Multivariate ENSO Index increases from 0.54 to 0.83.

Kern River basin snowpack way above normal for the date.

NOAA Winter Outlook released. Big early season storm dumps 2 to 5 feet of snow in Sierra.

Giddens paddling clinic. Experts continue to expect weak El Nino. Above average precipitation forecast. Keith Kishiyama wins Sierra Cup.

Rebecca Giddens wins Silver Medal at Athens Olympics! Weak to moderate El Nino possible. Miracle Slalom.

Diversions on the Kern River. Flow study on Lower Kern.

Rebecca Giddens Olympics Weenie Roast. Kern flow forecast.

Upper Kern peaks at 2074 cfs on May 5.

40th Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival.

Kern snowpack above 100%.

Dry weather into mid-month then pattern change brings series of storms to Sierra.

Sierra starts the New Year with a great snowpack. Dry January over much of state. (See Jan 2002 & 2003.)

Active December weather pattern. Christmas storm hammers Sierra.

Dry long lead seasonal precipitation forecast.

First snow in Kern River basin. SST warmer than normal. 2003-2004 Winter Outlook.

Precipitation Outlook for December, January & February.

Development of La Nina stalls. Thunderstorms increase flow on Upper Kern.

Paddling flow study on Dam Run.

Daily average inflow to Lake Isabella peaks at 3925 cfs. Highest levels from snowmelt since 1998. ICF Wildwater World Cups.

Cool Spring weather and additional snow increases projected flows. Short Term Snowmelt Forecast. Kern at Kernville above 3400 cfs at end of month.

39th Kern River Kayak & Raft Festival

Moderate to heavy rain and snow in the Sierra. Upper Kern jumps to over 1000 cfs. Brush Creek sediment.

Dry weather continues. Snowpack at about 80% of normal for date.

Paul Armes and the new Transformer. Snowpack above normal to start the year. What happened to El Nino? Dry January over much of state. (See Jan 2002.)

High elevation snowpack above normal for the date.

Johnsondale records 16.4 inches of rain. Upper Kern River peaks at Kernville at 26,500 cfs.

Moderate warm episode El Niño conditions continue.Long Lead Precipitation Forecast shows increased probability of above average precipitation in Southern California

McNally Fire100% contained at 150,696 acres Weak to moderate El Nino returns.

Rebecca Giddens wins Womens K1 at World Canoe-Kayak Slalom Championship at Bourg St Maurice, France. McNally Fire at 150,420 acres

Kern Headwaters from Grasshopper Flat. Delonegha Boat Launch and River Access was officially opened. McNally Fire starts near Road's End Resort.

Hot weather. new peaks of 1856 cfs (5.06 ft.) at 1:00 pm on May 31, and then again at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm on June 1. The day with the highest average flow was June 1, with a flow of 1744 cfs.

Roller coaster ride of temperatures and flows. Tom Johnson and the Haystackers. Peak of 1796 cfs at 2:00 PM on Saturday May 18. The day with highest average flow appears to have been Sunday, May 19, with an average of 1664 cfs.

Eric Jackson and Amy Jimmerson win Kern River Festival Whitewater Pro Freestyle. Scott Parsons and Rebecca Giddens win Southwestern Regional Slalom Team Trial Qualifier.

Northern Sierra snowpack at 100%, the Central Sierra at 94%, and the Southern Sierra at 83% for March 25.

What are you going to paddle this year?

Dry January over much of state.

Winter season off to its fastest start since the mid-eighties. Series of warm storms in late December.

Several early season storms. Upper Kern hits 1400 cfs.

NOAA/CPC has releases Winter Outlook for 2001-2002

9-11-01

Interactive kayak comparison chart introduced.

Strong thunderstorms push Upper Kern to over 1000 cfs.

Info on Kern flow data.

Upper Kern peaks at 2621 cfs.

37th Kern River Festival. Western Regional Slalom Team Trials Qualifier Head to head raft and kayak races.

Statewide snowpack increases from 7% in January to 85% in March

Wet pattern increases snowpack.

"Great Kern Basin Snow Comebacks"

What is an "average" snowpack?

New 2001 Wave Sport Kayaks. Kayaker Rudy Garcia-Tolson. California Film Commission award.

Winter Outlook for 2000-2001

15th Annual End of Summer Sale.

Olympic Team paddles the Kern. US Whitewater Slalom & Wildwater Nationals

1500 cfs being released to the Lower Kern at Borel

Free Whitewater Kayak & Recreational/Touring Kayak Demo Days

Upper Kern peaks at 3462 cfs.

36th Kern River Festival

Sports Afieldselects Kernville the #1 "Outdoor Sports Town" in California and the #1 paddling community in the U.S.

One of the wettest Februarys on record! Snowpack jumps to 100% of normal for date.

Y2K is OK. Month starts out dry amd ends wet. Tioga Pass was open on New Years Day!

One of the driest Decembers on record. La Nina contiues.

Black Canyon River Trip.

Low water boating pics and info.

14th Annual End of the Summer Sale. Releases to Lower 500-760 cfs.

Releases to Lower 1000-1200 cfs.

Releases to Lower 1200-1300 cfs.

Hot temps, low water. KR3 diversion.

Kern Peaks at 2265 cfs, Beman and Vernon Get Married, Kern Festival Photos

Short Term Snowmelt Forecast, Kern River Festival, Cool Temperatures, Low Flows

Latest Snow Sensor Report. Dagger Medieval Pictures. California Kayak Camp. Early Bird Kayaking.

New Boat Comparisons. Yosemite's Webcam. La Niña's Effects on Snowpack.

Riot Glide and Mr. Clean pictures. Riverside Park snow. Forest Service User Fees.