Last updated: May 2026
Western Flows is a free informational website about California river, reservoir, and snowpack conditions. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights.
The short version: We do not collect personal information. We do not require user accounts. We use anonymous analytics (only with your consent) and some pages contain affiliate links to outdoor gear.
We use Google Analytics 4 to understand how visitors use this site — which pages are popular, how long people stay, and what devices they use. This helps us improve the site.
Google Analytics collects anonymous data such as:
Analytics is only active if you consent. When you first visit the site, a banner asks whether you accept cookies. If you decline, no analytics data is collected and no cookies are set. You can change your preference at any time by clearing your browser's local storage for this site.
If you accept analytics cookies, Google Analytics sets the following:
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Distinguishes unique visitors | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Maintains session state | 2 years |
If you decline cookies, none of the above are set. We also use localStorage (not a cookie) to remember your consent choice and your "My Rivers" favorites list. This data never leaves your browser.
Some pages on this site contain links to products on Amazon.com. These are affiliate links — if you click one and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Western Flows is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Affiliate links are always clearly labeled. Product recommendations are based on general relevance to outdoor recreation — we do not receive free products or payment to feature specific items.
This site uses the following third-party services:
California residents: Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have the right to know what personal information is collected and to opt out of its sale. We do not sell personal information. If you decline analytics cookies, no data is collected about your visit.
European visitors: Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), analytics cookies are only set with your explicit consent. You may withdraw consent at any time by clearing your browser's local storage.
All visitors: You can opt out of Google Analytics across all websites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
This site is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect any personal information from children.
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
If you have questions about this privacy policy, please reach out via the About page.