Those Recreating in or Near the River Urged to be Cautious during Higher Flows
QUINCY, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will increase water flows for whitewater recreation in the Rock Creek Reach of the North Fork Feather River in Plumas County over four weekends this summer.
The higher flows will occur on June 25 and 26 and again on the last weekends of July, 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 June 25-26, flows in the Rock Creek Reach will be about 400 cubic feet per second (cfs). On Saturday, June 25, flows will gradually increase and to 1,100 cfs and on Sunday, June 26 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 July 23-24 and August 27-28 will follow the same pattern. In September, the flows will peak at 900 cfs for both September 24 and 25.
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.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/.
