Santa Ynez River below Gibraltar Dam near Santa Barbara

Why this score

• Wind — 19 mph — stay off open water-49
• Heat — 94°F — bring more water than you think-6

We don't have launch notes for this one

This page is built from the USGS gauge at this location, so the flow and weather are real — but we haven't verified where to put in, what the hazards are, or whether this stretch is legal or sensible to paddle. We'd rather say that than invent it. The links below are where to find out.

We also don't have a verified safe-flow range here, so the Paddle Score reflects weather only. Judge the flow number against local knowledge, not against our score.

Do your own homework

We show you live conditions. For local knowledge — where to put in, what the hazards are, whether it's worth the drive — here's where paddlers actually talk about this water. We don't vet these sources; check the dates and judge for yourself.

• Paddler discussion on Reddit ↗

  Trip reports and local warnings, straight from the source

• Search American Whitewater ↗

  Rapid classifications and gauge-linked run descriptions

• Satellite view and access roads ↗

  Check parking, put-ins, and what the banks actually look like

• Video from this water ↗

  The fastest way to see the character of a run before you drive

• USGS gauge 11123000 ↗

  Full hydrograph, historical flows, and station metadata

Nearby water

• Gibraltar Dam Release Weir A Gibraltar Damunder 1 mi
• Gibraltar Dam Div Weir A Gibraltar Damunder 1 mi
• Mission Creek A Rocky Nook Park A Santa Barbara6 mi
• Mission Creek near Mission Street near Santa Barbara7 mi
• Mission Creek below West Gutierrez Street Branch A Santa Barbara8 mi
• San Jose Creek near Goleta8 mi