Colorado River — Wharton: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Colorado River · Flatwater · Texas
Current verdict
Good to paddle
Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.
USGS gauge 08162000 · updated Jul 9, 8:15 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Flatwater
- Length
- 8 mi
- Float time
- ~4 hr
- Best months
- Year-round
- Put-in
- Wharton (Riverfront Park)
- Take-out
- downstream county ramp
Reading USGS gauge 08162000 — Colorado Rv at Wharton, TX ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Colorado River — Wharton?
This section is generally runnable at 200–7,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Colorado River levels?
We read USGS gauge 08162000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Colorado River — Wharton good for beginners?
This is a flatwater section — no rapids under normal levels — so it's beginner-friendly when the gauge is in range. High water changes everything: cold, fast water is dangerous for anyone.
When is the best time to paddle Colorado River here?
Typically Year-round, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Colorado River — Wharton?
This reach is about 8 miles, roughly 4 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.