Gauge Description:

Southern CA Edison is now posting flow information for S.F. San Joaquin below Hooper Creek as well as for several other sections in the basin. Click on "Show List" and you can see flows in the other reaches and reservoir elevations also.   If the links above do not work try:
Big Creek Hydro; Recreation      or   Flow and Reservoir Elevations  

This section of river only has boatable flows when Florence Reservoir spills. This happens in June or July of big water years, or sometimes in average years with unusually hot conditions in spring. The reservoir elevation has to be near 7,329 feet before spill will occur.   See Florence Reservoir Elevation.

After a single flow study in this reach at a flow of 750 cfs, strong boaters reported that 750 cfs was an excellent to optimal flow and that flows up to 1,500 or higher would also be excellent. Some felt that flows down to 350 or 400 cfs would also be good and would be easier, though more technical. Two paddlers in 2006 reported a good boatable range after a trip at around 1,250 cfs. They also reported that it might be good even a little bit higher. They did report a lack of eddies and concern about whether they could stop if they encountered logs in the river. They also suggested that most boaters might prefer a lower flow than what they had.

Historical data for this reach can be found at:
USGS 11230215 SF SAN JOAQUIN R BL HOOPER C NR FLORENCE LAKE
USGS 11230000 SF SAN JOAQUIN R NR FLORENCE LK CA
USGS 11232000 SF SAN JOAQUIN R NR HOFFMAN MDW CA

Flow information is provided by SCE as part of a FERC license.   Edison Big Creek Office phone# is: 559-893-5611   If the online gauges are down, you can report that problem here and the secretary will usually find out the flow for you.