Pacific Gas and Electric Company will again increase water flows for whitewater recreation in the Rock Creek Reach of the North Fork Feather River in Plumas County for the second time this summer.
The higher flows will occur on July 23rd and 24th and again on the last weekends of August and September. Those recreating in or near the river are encouraged to use extra caution during the increased flows. This portion of the river contains Class III, IV and V rapids, which are appropriate only for skilled paddlers. The reach is not appropriate for tubing.
The Rock Creek Reach is the 8.3-mile portion of the North Fork of the Feather River in the Plumas National Forest between PG&E’s Rock Creek Dam and the Rock Creek Powerhouse near Storrie.
Prior to the increase for July 23rd-24th, flows in the Rock Creek Reach will be about 400 cubic feet per second (cfs). On Saturday, June 23rd, flows will gradually increase and to 1,100 cfs and on Sunday, July 24th flows will be held at 900 cfs until about 3 p.m. that day, as flows are gradually reduced back to about 400 cfs.
The recreational flows for August 27th-28th will follow the same pattern. In September, the flows will peak at 900 cfs for both September 24th and 25th. PG&E first increased flows for the season the weekend of June 25th and 26th.
The recreational flows are done in cooperation with American Whitewater and the Rock Creek–Cresta Ecological Resource Committee.
PG&E offers the following water safety tips:
• Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.
• Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface. Swift water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are recommended.
• Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay out of canals and flumes, which are very dangerous due to slippery sides and fast moving water.
