Big Sur River Conditions

Measuring Gauge Flow on Nov. 16 at 5:30 PM =  67 cfs 
Upstream Big Sur River crossings reportedly difficult with flow above 100 cfs
and potentially hazardous with flow above 150-200 cfs (depending upon location)

CROSSING REPORTS
Your capabilities and actual conditions determine any crossing attempt !
These reports from hikers of varying capability are only planning guidelines.
Flow varies diurnally, with lowest flow in early morning.
Pole(s) or stick can greatly aid a crossing attempt.
River crossing tips and techniques

Help others in the hiking community by reporting your experience,
submitting a VWA Trail Report or posting to Trailmap Forum
Gauge
    Flow    		Big Sur River
Pine Ridge Trail Crossings		Report
160 cfsBarlow Flat Camp: Knee deepMar.26,2024
160 cfsSykes Camp: Waist deepMar.26,2024
180 cfsSykes Camp: Waist deepMar.23,2024
190 cfsBarlow Flat Camp: Knee to mid‑thighFeb.16,2024
215 cfsBarlow Flat Camp: Mid‑thigh, trickyMar.16,2024
220 cfsBarlow Flat Camp: Above knee, swift flowFeb.8,2025
VWR patrol
~270 cfsSykes Camp: Waist deepFeb.27,2024
350 cfsBarlow Flat Camp: Waist deepMar.9,2024
Note: Barlow Flat Camp east crossing easier than west crossing
Help others in the hiking community by reporting your experience,
submitting a VWA Trail Report or posting to Trailmap Forum
Gauge
    Flow    		North & South Fork - Big Sur River
Big Sur Trail Crossings		Report
>350 cfsDifficultExperience
Leor Pantilat
>500-600 cfsHazardousExperience
Leor Pantilat
Help others in the hiking community by reporting your experience,
submitting a VWA Trail Report or posting to Trailmap Forum
Gauge
    Flow    		South Fork - Big Sur River
South Fork Trail Crossings		Report
215 cfsShin to Knee deep, not difficultMar.16,2024
Scott Frake
Will add more reports as they become available


Measuring Gauge Flow for last 14 days
(note non-linear vertical scale)
Measuring Gauge Location
USGS image should appear shortly - if not, please report to bigsurtrailmap@gmail.com

For USGS interactive plot and data

For Arroyo Seco river current conditions


Jack Glendening (credit:p.danielson)
 Jack Glendening 
AddressImage