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, May 28, 2009

Important information about River Notes.

Flows remain excellent on the Kern River. This morning at 11:00 the Upper Kern was running 1752 cfs, and the Lower Kern 1068 cfs. Don't miss the best flows -- trips and classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early.

It looks like the Upper Kern reached its peak flow from seasonal snowmelt on Monday, May 18. At 1:00 p.m. on May 18 the Kern River at Kernville peaked at a reported stage of 8.28 and flow of 3382 cfs. This was also the date of the highest average reported 24 hr. inflow into Lake Isabella of 3060 cfs.

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!

Evan Moore (13), Spencer Josif (18), and Robert "Swanie" Swan (22) -- all Kern paddlers -- worked around school and jobs to travel up Hwy 395 on the East side of the Sierra to Reno to compete in the 6th annual Reno River Festival. The event was held downtown on the Truckee River, at Reno's exceedingly popular whitewater park.

"This is an example of what we could do with Riverside Park in Kernville when we get the funding to refurbish our whitewater park," said Tom Moore, co-owner of Sierra South in Kernville. "We have had some setbacks on funding, but we are continuing to be optimistic, even in these tough economic times. Organizers estimated over 40,000 people were in and out of the Reno Whitewater Park over the 3-day weekend. This would be such a boon for Kernville, Kern Valley, Bakersfield, and Kern County. We are looking at grants, stimulus monies and private funding. We are determined to make it happen -- If anyone has any ideas, we are all ears!"

Evan Moore placed 4th in the open Junior Freestyle category, just missing out on a medal. Spencer and Swanie, competing against some of the best paddlers in North America, both paddled well in the open Men's category. This event has become one of the premier events on the Freestyle circuit.

Over on the slalom side of the whitewater park, for the first time, there was a Duo-class in the boater-cross. This is a head-to-head paddling event with bumping, flipping, eddy-outs and many lead changes on the short course. Evan and Swanie squirted out to a lead in the semis to place them in the finals. In the finals, they were "squeezed" at the start and finished in 4th place. It was a great weekend, and definitely worth the pilgrimage.

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.

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.

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, May 20, 2009

Important information about River Notes.

It looks like the Upper Kern may have reached its peak flow from seasonal snowmelt on Monday, May 18. At 1:00 p.m. on May 18 the Kern River at Kernville peaked at a reported stage of 8.28 and flow of 3382 cfs. This was also the date of the highest average reported 24 hr. inflow into Lake Isabella of 3060 cfs. One of the tools used to make snowmelt projections is the AHPS Ensemble Streamflow Prediction program. Here's a AHPS/ESP plot of the projected Lake Isabella average daily inflow for the period May 20 to July 20, 2009.

Flows remain excellent on both the Upper and Lower Kern. This morning at 11:00 the Upper Kern was running 2870 cfs, and the Lower Kern 892 cfs. Don't miss the best flows -- trips and 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 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!

Evan Moore (13), Spencer Josif (18), and Robert "Swanie" Swan (22) -- all Kern paddlers -- worked around school and jobs to travel up Hwy 395 on the East side of the Sierra to Reno to compete in the 6th annual Reno River Festival. The event was held downtown on the Truckee River, at Reno's exceedingly popular whitewater park.

"This is an example of what we could do with Riverside Park in Kernville when we get the funding to refurbish our whitewater park," said Tom Moore, co-owner of Sierra South in Kernville. "We have had some setbacks on funding, but we are continuing to be optimistic, even in these tough economic times. Organizers estimated over 40,000 people were in and out of the Reno Whitewater Park over the 3-day weekend. This would be such a boon for Kernville, Kern Valley, Bakersfield, and Kern County. We are looking at grants, stimulus monies and private funding. We are determined to make it happen -- If anyone has any ideas, we are all ears!"

Evan Moore placed 4th in the open Junior Freestyle category, just missing out on a medal. Spencer and Swanie, competing against some of the best paddlers in North America, both paddled well in the open Men's category. This event has become one of the premier events on the Freestyle circuit.

Over on the slalom side of the whitewater park, for the first time, there was a Duo-class in the boater-cross. This is a head-to-head paddling event with bumping, flipping, eddy-outs and many lead changes on the short course. Evan and Swanie squirted out to a lead in the semis to place them in the finals. In the finals, they were "squeezed" at the start and finished in 4th place. It was a great weekend, and definitely worth the pilgrimage.

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.

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.

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, May 13, 2009

Important information about River Notes.

Hot weather is forecast over much of California this weekend, and the latest Snowmelt Forecast, issued today, has pushed back the projected date of the Kern's peak 1-day volume to May 20. On that day, the total inflow to Lake Isabella is forecast to be about 7,000 acre-feet. This works out to an average inflow over 24 hours of about 3500 cfs. Because of the daily variation in flow, the hourly peak will likely to be several hundred cfs higher. So far, the hourly peak at Riverside Park this season was at noon on May 12 with a stage of 7.96 and a flow of 2912 cfs.

Evan Moore (13), Spencer Josif (18), and Robert "Swanie" Swan (22) -- all Kern paddlers -- worked around school and jobs to travel up Hwy 395 on the East side of the Sierra to Reno to compete in the 6th annual Reno River Festival. The event was held downtown on the Truckee River, at Reno's exceedingly popular whitewater park.

"This is an example of what we could do with Riverside Park in Kernville when we get the funding to refurbish our whitewater park," said Tom Moore, co-owner of Sierra South in Kernville. "We have had some setbacks on funding, but we are continuing to be optimistic, even in these tough economic times. Organizers estimated over 40,000 people were in and out of the Reno Whitewater Park over the 3-day weekend. This would be such a boon for Kernville, Kern Valley, Bakersfield, and Kern County. We are looking at grants, stimulus monies and private funding. We are determined to make it happen -- If anyone has any ideas, we are all ears!"

Evan Moore placed 4th in the open Junior Freestyle category, just missing out on a medal. Spencer and Swanie, competing against some of the best paddlers in North America, both paddled well in the open Men's category. This event has become one of the premier events on the Freestyle circuit.

Over on the slalom side of the whitewater park, for the first time, there was a Duo-class in the boater-cross. This is a head-to-head paddling event with bumping, flipping, eddy-outs and many lead changes on the short course. Evan and Swanie squirted out to a lead in the semis to place them in the finals. In the finals, they were "squeezed" at the start and finished in 4th place. It was a great weekend, and definitely worth the pilgrimage.

Some encouraging weather news --SSTs have warmed in the equatorial Pacific, and at least for the moment, the atmosphere has also shifted to a more ENSO neutral stance. Some longer term ENSO forecasts are now predicting warm ENSO (El Niño) conditions to develop by next Winter. The development of an El Niño -- particularly a strong El Niño -- would increase the chances for an above average 2009-10 Kern snowpack and runoff. We'll see!

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!

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.

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.

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, May 6, 2009

Important information about River Notes.

An unseasonably strong, late season Pacific storm system brought rain to much of California last Friday and Saturday, and pushed the flow on the Upper Kern up to 2625 cfs -- it's highest level so far this year. A new rainfall record for May 1 was set in Sacramento, and higher elevations of the Sierra received about a foot of snow. Enhanced southwesterly sub-tropical flow, and enhanced convection associated with the phase 7 MJO may have contributed to the strength of the system.

May 1 snow course measurements are in, and the Kern snowpack is few percentage points below last year. The latest Snowmelt Forecast, issued today, forecasts a peak average 24 hr. inflow to Lake Isabella of about 3500 cfs on May 16.

SSTs have warmed in the equatorial Pacific, and at least for the moment, orbits of the GWO have shifted to a more ENSO neutral stance. Some longer term ENSO forecasts are now predicting warm ENSO conditions to develop by next Winter.

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. Festival results and photos are now available on the KVRC web site.

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!

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.

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.

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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