9 Days of Whitewater Flows for the San Joaquin River at Horseshoe Bend (CA)
Southern California Edison has provided an updated forecast for 9 days of whitewater recreational flows on the San Joaquin River at Horseshoe Bend. July 29, 2023, is the target for the start of these flows which will be between 3500 cfs and 3000 cfs. Recreational flows are forecasted to end on August 6, 2023, with flows between 2000 cfs and 1600 cfs. Keep in mind forecasted dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Overall, these recreational flows are a part of operating rules that American Whitewater negotiated with SCE, managing state and federal agencies and the North Fork Mono Tribe for the Big Creek 4 Hydropower Project. These rules prescribe a spill cessation protocol that mimics a snowmelt hydrograph on the San Joaquin River in wetter water years. A slowed snowmelt recession of streamflow improves conditions for native aquatic fish and mussels, controls invasive species that thrive in warmer water, and provides for whitewater recreation opportunities by benching the flow as it recedes.
Following is the latest forecast provided by SCE:
Weekly Forecast
7/10/2023
Water Year Type: Spill Year - Schedule D
Projected Boating Opportunity dates: Currently estimated to start on approximately July 29th
(Boatable Flow Range is 3500-1600 cfs, duration shown in blue text below.)
The table below provides the projected boating days with the approximate range of average daily flows below Dam 7 in the Horseshoe Bend Reach.
|
Date* |
Day |
Dam 7 Spill Range (cfs) |
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|
7/29/2023 |
1 |
3500-3000 |
Boatable flow range |
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|
7/30/2023 |
2 |
3000-2500 |
Boatable flow range |
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|
7/31/2023 |
3 |
2500-2000 |
Boatable flow range |
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|
8/1/2023 |
4 |
2500-2000 |
Boatable flow range |
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|
8/2/2023 |
5 |
2500-2000 |
Boatable flow range |
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|
8/3/2023 |
6 |
2500-2000 |
Boatable flow range |
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|
8/4/2023 |
7 |
2500-2000 |
Boatable flow range |
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|
8/5/2023 |
8 |
2000-1600 |
Boatable flow range |
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|
8/6/2023 |
9 |
2000-1600 |
Boatable flow range |
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|
8/7/2023 |
10 |
1600-1300 |
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8/8/2023 |
11 |
1600-1300 |
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8/9/2023 |
12 |
1300-1000 |
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8/10/2023 |
13 |
1300-1000 |
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8/11/2023 |
14 |
1000-750 |
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8/12/2023 |
15 |
1000-750 |
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8/13/2023 |
16 |
750-500 |
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8/14/2023 |
17 |
750-500 |
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8/15/2023 |
18 |
500-250 |
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8/16/2023 |
19 |
500-250 |
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8/17/2023 |
20 |
250-100 |
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8/18/2023 |
21 |
MIF |
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*Forecasted Dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions. |
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Updated forecasts will be posted in the “Alerts” section of the San Joaquin (Horseshoe Bend) river page as they are received. In the meantime, plan accordingly for some outstanding paddling on the San Joaquin River.
Photo by Paul Martzen