Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.

Rapid CA Class III

Willow Rapid

American Whitewater 37.8490, -120.6376

Save this feature with the run it belongs to.

Gauge Conditions

Oakdale CN near Knights Ferry CA Upstream Primary

Runnable: ? – ? CFS

Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS

CDEC Flow Data California

STANISLAUS RIVER NML Primary Dam Release

Elevation: 1,135 ft

STANISLAUS RIVER TUL Primary Dam Release

Elevation: 515 ft

Data from California Data Exchange Center (CDEC)

Photo

Photo courtesy of American Whitewater

Description

Willow Rapid features a technical boulder garden with multiple route options, requiring precise maneuvering between large midstream rocks and potential pin hazards. The rapid's crux is a powerful center channel with a recirculating hole that can quickly flip boats if paddlers fail to maintain proper momentum and line. Experienced boaters should scout from river right and choose a clean line that avoids the larger hydraulics while maintaining speed through the constricted downstream section.