Carson, E. Fork, California, US/Nevada, US |
|
| Usual Difficulty | II+(III) (for normal flows) |
|---|---|
| Length | 19 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient | 25 fpm |
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E FK CARSON RV BLW MARKLEEVILLE CK NR MARKLEEVILLE | ||||
| usgs-10308200 | 400 - 4000 cfs | II+(III) | 01h10m | 84 cfs (rc= -0.1 ) |
The EF Carson is a popular and scenic class 2 stretch, but it is more difficult in two respects than the rating can indicate. The water is very cold, so swims could lead to hypothermia. While the rapids are not difficult, they are non stop in the early miles. The current constantly pushes towards one bank or the other and those banks are undercut cliffs in many areas. Constant manuvering is required to stay in the center of the channel.
People often take two days and camp at hot springs, but one day runs are also feasible.
The run is popular for boaters with whitewater open canoes with float bags.
To reach put-in, drive south on highway 89/4 to Markleeville, and continue about a mile past town
to Hangman's Bridge, where there is an outhouse. You can find better put-in spots upstream
between the highway and river. Even on Friday nights, campsites are often available at a USFS
campground down a dirt road before the bridge. Shuttles are readily available by inquiring at
stores in Markleeville.
To reach take-out, drive north to highway 88, turn right, and descend into Nevada. You can take a
shortcut by turning right on Centerville Lane, and left across a bridge before Dresslerville,
although going all the way to Minden and turning right on highway 395 thru Gardnerville works
too. On 395 just past the Lahonton Fish Hatchery, turn right onto a dirt road where the highway
starts climbing a hill. The BLM parking lot is uphill at the end of the dirt road.
In years past, good shuttle service has been available near Markleeville. Paul and Gloria Washam
operate a long-time company, Family Shuttle Service at 530-694-2966. The Markleeville General
Store recommends River Rat Shuttle Service at 530-694-2448.
There are toilets at Hangman's Bridge put in, at the take out and one pit toilet about halfway
down. Those camping on the river should bring their own toilet systems, though they
are not required.
Other Information Sources:
Description in Bill Tuthill's
California Creekin.
BLM - Carson River page
Cassady & Calhoun, Holbek & Stanley, Gerald Meral.
CDEC Snowplot graphs show this years snow pack in comparison to last years snowpack plus mean, highest and lowest snowpack years.
USGS #10308200 provides the data for the graph below. Historical data can also be searched for this gauge.
NOAA 5 day flow prediction
Dreamflows.com 3 Year plot compares flows for the most recent 3 years.
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E FK CARSON RV BLW MARKLEEVILLE CK NR MARKLEEVILLE | ||||||||||||
| usgs-10308200 | 400 - 4000 cfs | II+(III) | 01h10m | 84 cfs (rc= -0.1 ) | ||||||||
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| When | River/Gauge | Subject | Level | Reporter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6y274d19h09m | Carson, E. Fork [CA] |
Lower East Fork Carson
|
1350 cfs | Thomas O'Keefe |
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Hangman's Bridge to Hwy 395, Carson, E. Fork California, US/Nevada, US (mobile)
