Manchester White Water Park

09/19/2026

In the later half of September, so water temps are not really conducive to tubing or body surfing any longer this year. This will be the last post about water conditions for this season. With that said, levels are up in the super fun zone for WW kayakers and surfers. Feature 5 should be in and fun… but much more than 800 cfs and between lack of eddy service and the waves being blown out, there won’t be lots of great surf to be had. If you hurry, you may catch it yet or go when it’s dropping. Photo shows the rise…

09/11/2026

Fun night at the wwp with the drone show! Very cool!

09/05/2026

Water levels are currently at 162 cfs making for solid conditions to play. The heat recently should make for comfortable water temps to offset the warm air. As always - wear your USCG certified, properly fitted pfd, water shoes, and helmet as a minimum for best results. Enjoy these days, as they are fleeting - as we march towards autumn! Photo for attention.

08/29/2026

With water levels below 180 cubic feet per second it should be a great time to visit the park. Tubers and swimmers should easily find the ramps through the center of the features. The white water enthusiast will find it pretty tame but you can always work in your skills! Water temps are cool, it sounds like it will warm up a bit from Sunday on to offset the cooling water.

As always, wear your properly fitted USCG approved pfd, a helmet and water shoes as a suggested bare minimum for your safety. Have fun if you go, take only pictures and leave only footprints! Photo for attention.

08/22/2026

Water levels in the low 200’s means it’s a great weekend to enjoy the river. Last weekend before school starts up too so the water will be getting cold soon as well. Enjoy if you go and as always, wear your properly fitted and USCG approved pfd, helmet and water shoes at a minimum for best results. Photo for attention!

08/14/2026

Water levels are currently at 670 cfs. This puts it well over our suggested max for best results tubing of 350. It’s on a gentle rise from there and additional rainfall will put it well above what those other than whitewater paddlers might enjoy experiencing safely. Find some other activities to occupy these last days before we cycle into school starting back up. Stay safe with whatever activity you choose. Always wear your proper PPE!

A big reason why there's a Flood Watch in effect for many of us, and our concern over flash flooding potential, is that it just has rained a lot in the past five days. These are radar estimates, so not exactly perfect, but they suggest everyone has received at least an inch of rain, with swaths of much higher totals. Any additional rainfall, especially in the range of 2 inches in a few hours, could cause flash flooding. More: https://www.kcrg.com/2026/08/13/first-alert-flash-flood-severe-storm-threats-tonight/ -Corey

08/08/2026

***UPDATE Saturday, 8 AM! We did experience a second bump and current levels are at 473 cfs. This is from farther up the watershed. Possibly Coffins Creek or perhaps from the branch up near Backbone State Park. We will continue to monitor levels - stay tuned - we would NOT recommend tubing given the current levels - kayak only at your own true skill levels! ***

Current water levels are 343, just below the 350 cfs threshold. We would suggest that it will be proper levels for tubing for those who can readily maneuver them. For the rest, it may be somewhat challenging until it drops a bit more. Levels also could raise a bit more yet, check it before you go. What you are looking for is the water to pass between the rock features in the slots and not over the rocks… that could make for a rough ride on a tube. As always, we suggest a properly fitting helmet, water shoes and a USCG approved and properly fitted pfd in good condition as a minimum for the best results. Stay safe and have fun! Photo for attention from the past few weeks.

08/04/2026

More swiftwater rescue training for IDNR Conservation Officers from around Iowa. Instructor Glenn Harman.