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, February 26, 2009

Important information about River Notes.

Today's RiverPhoto is a Sherman Peak webcam view southwest over the upper Brush Creek drainage, past the Kern River, to Baker Peak, Baker Point, and Sunday Peak.

Since February 1st, California Cooperative Snow Surveys reports that the Southern Section Sierra Snowpack has increased from 64% to 84% of normal for the date. The March 1 snow course measurements will be available soon, and we'll have a better idea of how much the Kern snowpack has increased.

Both the 6-10 day and 8-14 day NWS Precipitation Outlooks continue to project above normal precipitation in California. At the moment, it looks like the next chance for some Southern Sierra snow will be in the Sunday to Monday timeframe, and may extend into the week. We'll see!

Did you see the flow on the Upper Kern jumped up over 800 cfs on Monday and Tuesday? Raft trips and kayaking classes begin March 15! Our raft trips and kayaking classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early.

We have the new 2009 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.

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.

Two exciting new boats are coming from Jackson in 2009, 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 120 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 will let you know when we get our demo.

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!

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 2010 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!

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, February 18, 2009

Important information about River Notes.

Since February 5th, a series of upper lows, troughs and shortwaves has produced several feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada. The Wet Meadows snow sensor at 8950' in the Kern River basin has recorded more than 8 inches (snow water equivalent) of precipitation over the period -- which is roughly equivalent to about 6 feet of snow. Pascoes, at 9150' recorded about 7.5 inches SWE, and Upper Tyndall Creek at 11,500' about 5.5 inches SWE.

Additional snow is expected over the next two weeks, and the wet pattern may extend into March. A massive low pressure system currently at about 140°W is forecast to spin tauntingly off the coast through Friday or Saturday.

The system, in some form, is currently forecast to start moving onshore Sunday. Pinwheeling lows and vorticity centers, a building ridge, a strengthening sub-tropical jet, tropical moisture, and an upstream shortwave are just some of the elements in the forecast mix. It could be a big snow producer. We'll have to see how the forecast evolves.

Raft trips and kayaking classes begin March 15! Our raft trips and kayaking classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early.

We have the new 2009 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.

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.

Two exciting new boats are coming from Jackson in 2009, 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 120 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 will let you know when we get our demo.

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!

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 2010 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!

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 Thursday, February 5, 2009

Important information about River Notes.

The first of a series of upper lows, troughs and shortwaves expected to affect California and the Southern Sierra over the next several days has moved into the area, and the wet pattern could continue into the 8-14 day period and beyond. A wet February would help offset an unusually dry January, and would help improve a sub par Kern snowpack -- currently pegged at about 65% of normal.

The active phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and Global Wind Oscillation (GWO) are supporting a general circulation pattern that is favorable to West Coast troughs. In addition, a major Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event is underway and associated high latitude blocking might eventually result in a southward shift of the storm track over the U.S. We'll see!

We have the new 2009 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. Layaway a boat today and have it for the start of the boating season! Here is more info about our Layaway Program (PDF).

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.

Two exciting new boats are coming from Jackson in 2009, 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 120 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 will let you know when we get our demo.

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!

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 2010 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!

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!

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!

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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