News

Increasing levels of the Kern River are dangerous

Levels are 13 times higher than during the drought
Kern River levels 13 times up from drought
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Snow from Mt. Whitney is melting, which means the Kern River's levels are rising. During the drought, levels averaged around 500 CFS. As of Wednesday morning, levels were at 6651 CFS. This is about 13 times more than the levels during the drought.

Because of the drastic increase in such a short amount of time, professionals are concerned people will underestimate how dangerous the river is. 

Professionals suggest if you are going near water, wear a life vest. If you do want to get in the river, it's best to schedule it with one of the five certified rafting companies near Lake Isabella. 

Bakersfield, CA

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Day

Conditions

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Precip

ThursdayThu

11/05/2026

Clear

-° / 50°

3%

FridayFri

11/06/2026

Clear

74° / 50°

4%

SaturdaySat

11/07/2026

Mostly Clear

80° / 51°

2%

SundaySun

11/08/2026

Mostly Clear

76° / 51°

2%

MondayMon

11/09/2026

Partly Cloudy

74° / 52°

3%

TuesdayTue

11/10/2026

Clear

73° / 50°

3%

WednesdayWed

11/11/2026

Mostly Clear

78° / 55°

3%

ThursdayThu

11/12/2026

Partly Cloudy

76° / 54°

11%