Reminder: Use caution on North Fork this weekend — whitewater recreation means higher flows
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) urges the public to take extra precautions as water flows will be higher on a portion of the North Fork Feather River this weekend, July 22-23 for whitewater recreation.
The higher flows will occur in the Cresta Reach, which is the 4.9-mile portion of the North Fork Feather River between Cresta Dam in Plumas County and Cresta Powerhouse in Butte County. This portion of the river will contain Class III, IV and V rapids, which are only appropriate for skilled paddlers, and not appropriate for tubing.
This weekend flows on the Cresta Reach will be 1,100 cubic feet per second.
Due to construction work along Highway 70, boaters should be aware that they can still put in below Cresta Dam or the Shady Rest Area but be aware there is road construction work at the Shady Rest Area. Boaters can take out at Cresta Powerhouse or Poe Reservoir Beach.
Additional recreational flows for the Rock Creek Reach further upstream are scheduled for the weekends of August 26-27 and September 23-24.
The recreational flows are conducted in cooperation with the American Whitewater organization, the Rock Creek–Cresta Ecological Resource Committee and the U.S. Forest Service. This higher flows in the Cresta Reach is being scheduled to make up for higher flows not held in April on the Cresta Reach due to the closure of Highway 70.
PG&E offers the following water safety tips:
- Stay out of cold water. 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 strongly 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, sub-surface obstacles, fast moving water, and transitions to full tunnels and pipes. For more water safety tips visit: www.pge.com/hydrosafety
