Conditions:Thunder Canyon (California Sierras)-20230427210048

Latest:	26 Apr 2023 (2 yrs, 9 mos ago)

Reported by:	Reiternick (44 reports)
Quality:	Good
Waterflow:	Low
Wetsuit:	None
Water temperature:	60f deg C
Difficulty:	Easy
Time:	3 hours

Team: 2 people with experience level Expert

Trip report URL:

Comments: First known descent. We placed 3 bolted anchors and 1 natural anchor. Fun little canyon with some flow after the heavy rains this season. The approach and exit in kayak at 6500 cfs across the Kern River was exciting.

All condition reports

Date	Quality	Waterflow	Wetsuit	Difficulty	Time	Team	Reported by
26 Jan 2026	Great	Very Low	Rain jacket	Normal	3 hours	3 people Beginner to Advanced	Ephacker (4 reports)
Comment: The flows on the Kern were very low so there was not current at the pool used to cross. We shuttled people and gear with a inflatable paddle board. There was a small trickle of flow in canyon. We stayed mostly dry because of cool air temps. The surrounding hills were really green and the nearby mountains had snow which made for a nice backdrop.
26 Apr 2023	Good	Low	None	Easy	3 hours	2 people Expert	Reiternick (44 reports)
Comment: First known descent. We placed 3 bolted anchors and 1 natural anchor. Fun little canyon with some flow after the heavy rains this season. The approach and exit in kayak at 6500 cfs across the Kern River was exciting.
9 Apr 2023	Great	Very Low	Thin wetsuit	Normal	2 hours	5 people Beginner to Intermediate	Ephacker (4 reports)
Comment: The first known descent of this canyon. I have kayaked and driven by this canyon countless times. Because of the record wet winter, this canyon was flowing. Easter weekend had above-average temperatures so we decided to check it out. Natural anchors were used. The R1 was from a bush on RDC 110ft, but there was too much drag to pull (the last person climbed around). R2 was a short rappel off a pine tree LDC 25ft to a second Pine LDC which was used for R4 100ft. R5 was from a bush RDC 30ft. This was a record-breaking runoff so the river was high. A 2 person Inflatable kayak was used to shuttle gear and people. Three kids were on this first decent. Aspen Hacker (15), Kyla Hacker (13) and Russell Hacker (9). Russell walked R3&R4.