Depending on snowpack and time of year, river water levels can vary from high to medium to low. On high water, generally speaking, we use larger boats to ride faster current, climb over larger waves and crash through more powerful holes. On low flows, on the other hand, using smaller boats, we encounter smaller waves and more rocks, and with tight teamwork and split-second timing maneuver down steep, narrow chutes and over abrupt drops. Medium water, naturally, is somewhere in between. High water generally occurs during spring runoff in April, May and early June, while lower flows are normally found at the tail end of each river's runnable season.
Medium water is found in between.
The thing to remember is that, with Whitewater Voyages, high, medium and low water all have their special appeal, and all can provide truly great fun. The runnable season for any given river may vary from year to year depending on snowpack and weather. The seasons cited here are those typical of years with normal snowpack. For information on seasons during years of low and high snowpack, please see the River Comparison Chart. You can also check Snowpack Summaries , which are produced by the California Data Exchange Center, from approximately December through June.