White Water Boating Study

 

The Prospect Nos. 1, 2 & 4 Bypassed Reach is rated Class 5, appropriate for expert boaters only. Class 5* whitewater is described as extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids, which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult, even for experts. A very reliable Eskimo-roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. 

 

*American Whitewater International Scale of Whitewater Difficulty 

Boaters are advised not to paddle Prospect Powerhouse tailrace areas. 

 

Flows below the dam may change substantially without warning. PacifiCorp assumes no responsibility for damage to equipment or personal injury resulting from any change in flow. 

The Class 5 rating is intended to serve as guidance only. Whitewater boaters should assess their ability to run the Rogue River Bypass based on their individual skill level, river flow level, and weather conditions. 

 

Disclaimer: PacifiCorp is by no means promoting or inviting the public to participate in whitewater boating activities on the Rogue River Bypassed Reach. 

 

In addition to providing daily flow information in the Project bypassed reach, Articles 413 and 414 of PacifiCorp’s license for the Project require that PacifiCorp develop a Whitewater Boating Flow Release Study Plan and a Whitewater Boating Access Monitoring Study Plan within six months of license issuance. The purpose of these plans is to identify a schedule and precise flow to release between 85 cubic feet per second (cfs) and 500 (cfs) to facilitate whitewater boating activities and to determine the feasibility of providing whitewater boating access to the Rogue River near the Prospect No. 2 powerhouse. On December 30, 2008, PacifiCorp, licensee for the Prospect Nos. 1, 2 and 4 Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2630), filed a plan entitled “Prospect Whitewater Feasibility Study Plan.” The plan combines both the whitewater boating flow release plan (flow release plan) required by Article 413 and the whitewater boating access monitoring plan (access monitoring plan) required by Article 414. The Study Plan was approved by FERC on June 23, 2009. For 2010, the plan proposes to release water between 85 and 500 cfs from North Fork Diversion Dam on selected weekend days in the months of July, August and September plus the Labor Day holiday.  Boaters are then asked to fill out a short online survey questionnaire to record their experience and preferences for the various flows.