Each year, the Upper American River Project (UARP) creates a mix of scheduled and opportunistic whitewater opportunities on South Fork Silver Creek below Ice House Reservoir —one of California’s most unique, dam-controlled Class IV runs. For boaters willing to track conditions and stay flexible, the combination of planned releases and snowmelt-driven pulse flows can significantly expand the season.
Scheduled Whitewater Recreation Flows
Under the UARP license, South Fork Silver Creek receives a set of scheduled recreation releases, typically timed for late spring & early summer when access conditions are reliable and demand is high. These flows are designed to provide predictable boating opportunities, allowing paddlers to plan trips in advance and coordinate logistics.
These scheduled releases are a direct outcome of years of advocacy, negotiation, and monitoring. As reflected in ongoing implementation and reporting, whitewater boating on the Ice House reach (South Fork Silver Creek) is now a recognized and managed recreational use, with consistent participation and generally positive boater feedback on flow conditions.
Scheduled Recreation Release Dates from 10 am to 3 pm
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June 6, 2026 – ~400 cfs
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June 13, 2026 – ~500 cfs
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June 20, 2026 – ~500 cfs
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June 27, 2026 – ~400 cfs
