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

Updated 4/23/08 o This summer, when you watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics Canoe/Kayak coverage on NBC, you may very well recognize a member of the broadcast team -- 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi. Joe is the co-founder of Gold Medal Connections, which just completed its 11th annual Gold Medal Kayaking Camp on the Kern River. For more on the Beijing Olympics and Joe's "thoughts, ideas, and life lessons from the outdoors" check out his blog Gold Medal Living. Also see Joe's WRCB TV Olympic Zone Profile of Eric Jackson 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 You can always tell a canoeist or kayaker from Ohio, that’s because they have been required to register their craft, pay a fee, and place big numbers on the side of their boats ever since the Ohio legislature figured out a way to “cheat” on their federal taxes and get more money from the federal government. The Ohio legislature figured that if they required all canoes, kayaks, and rafts to be registered along with motorboats as recreational watercraft, then they would be eligible for more Wallop-Breaux and other federal transportation funding. 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 Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Important information about River Notes.

More than 600 cfs is normally diverted at Fairview Dam, downstream of the Limestone Run on the Upper Kern. From April 1 to July 31, depending on the flow on the Upper Kern at Fairview Dam, the amount of the diversion may be reduced in order to produce in-channel flows below the dam according to this Release Schedule. From the weekend prior to Memorial Day until July 4, when the flow at Fairview Dam is 1000 to 1300 cfs, the diversion is adjusted so the flow below the dam is 700 cfs.

Flows on the Upper and Lower Kern continue to be very good with about 1200-1350 cfs on the Upper and 1350-1400 cfs on the Lower. According to a California-Nevada River Forecast Center AHPS / ESP Trace Analysis, the average daily flow on the Upper Kern has a 75%-90% chance of remaining above 1000 cfs through July 1.

Don't miss the best flows on the Upper Kern -- trips and classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early. Use our interactive Raft Trip Reservation Form to compare the details of the rafting trips we offer and make your reservation on-line!

Today's RiverPhoto is of Corey Volt paddling the drop Super Freak on Dry Meadow Creek. Photo: Randolf Green.

Paddlers on the Forks this season have reported that the rapid Vortex has changed. It looks like the big boulder on the right bracketing the drop into the infamous Vortex hole has shifted, and the Slide Rock has tipped up and to the river right. The Slide Rock used to create a ramp that could be used to skirt around the Vortex hole. Here's a panorama of the new Vortex rapid taken by Paul Spencer (KRT), and a photo of Vortex from 1997 by Gary Valle, with a kayaker on the Slide Rock.

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 2011 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (PDF) for more information!

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!

Check out all the new 2008 boats in the New Boat Barn: 2008 Jackson Hero, Super Hero, Star, Fun & Super Fun; Dagger Agent 6.0 & Agent 6.4; Wavesport Diesel 65 & Diesel 75; Liquid Logic Jefe, Jefe Chico, Jefe Grande, Remix 47 Kids, Remix 59, Remix 69, & Remix 79; Pyranha Rev M, Ammo M, Burn M, & Burn L. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

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.

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. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order, and it is not known when service will be restored.)

River Notes for Monday, June 16, 2008

Important information about River Notes.

Flows on the Upper and Lower Kern continue to be excellent with about 1500-1700 cfs on the Upper and 1250-1450 cfs on the Lower. The latest Snowmelt Forecast, issued by the California-Nevada River Forecast Center on June 4, forecasts the flow on the Upper Kern to remain in the neighborhood of 1500 cfs into next weekend. (The forecast assumes seasonable weather. Hotter than normal weather could increase the flow, and cooler than normal reduce it.)

Don't miss the best flows -- trips and classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early. Use our interactive Raft Trip Reservation form to compare the details of the rafting trips we offer!

Today's RiverPhoto is of Alex Morris paddling Needlerock Falls rapid on the Forks in his new Jackson Superhero. (Photo by Bryant Burkhardt.)

Paddlers on the Forks this season have reported that the rapid Vortex has changed. It looks like the big boulder on the right bracketing the drop into the infamous Vortex hole has shifted, and the Slide Rock has tipped up and to the river right. The Slide Rock used to create a ramp that could be used to skirt around the Vortex hole. Here's a panorama of the new Vortex rapid taken by Paul Spencer (KRT), and a photo of Vortex from 1997 by Gary Valle, with a kayaker on the Slide Rock.

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 2011 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (PDF) for more information!

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!

Check out all the new 2008 boats in the New Boat Barn: 2008 Jackson Hero, Super Hero, Star, Fun & Super Fun; Dagger Agent 6.0 & Agent 6.4; Wavesport Diesel 65 & Diesel 75; Liquid Logic Jefe, Jefe Chico, Jefe Grande, Remix 47 Kids, Remix 59, Remix 69, & Remix 79; Pyranha Rev M, Ammo M, Burn M, & Burn L. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

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.

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. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order, and it is not known when service will be restored.)

More information concerning flow and weather can be found on our LINKS page.

River Notes for Monday, June 2, 2008

Important information about River Notes.

Congratulations to Stein Beals and Jessica Subido who qualified for the USACK Whitewater Slalom National Junior Team this past weekend in Golden, Colorado. A high five also goes to Nick Wilkening, paddling well in his first team trials, and placing 7th out of more than 25 boaters in the Men's K1 class. See the race web site for more info, including a video of the opening ceremonies.

Warmer temperatures have increased the snowmelt and resulted in higher flows on the Upper Kern. Today at 11:00 the reported flow at Kernville was 1510 cfs -- up about 300 cfs since midday Friday. The release to the Lower Kern is also up, with 850 cfs going to the River at Slippery Rock, and 1418 cfs reported below the Borel Powerhouse.

Don't miss the best flows -- trips and classes start booking weeks in advance, so make your reservations early. Use our interactive Raft Trip Reservation form to compare the details of the rafting trips we offer!

The latest Snowmelt Forecast, issued by the California-Nevada River Forecast Center on May 28, forecasts a 50% chance the average inflow to Lake Isabella will exceed about 1950 cfs for the 5 day period centered on June 4. It forecasts a 90% chance the average inflow to Lake Isabella will exceed about 1400 cfs, and a 10% chance it will exceed 2500 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 2011 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (PDF) for more information!

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!

Check out all the new 2008 boats in the New Boat Barn: 2008 Jackson Hero, Star & Super Fun; Dagger Agent 6.0 & Agent 6.4; Wavesport Diesel 65 & Diesel 75; Liquid Logic Jefe, Jefe Chico, Jefe Grande, Remix 47 Kids, Remix 59, Remix 69, & Remix 79. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

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.

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. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order, and it is not known when service will be restored.)

More information concerning flow and weather can be found on our LINKS page.

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