QUINCY, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) urges the public to take extra safety precautions as water flows are increased on selected weekends this month and next month for whitewater recreation in the Rock Creek Reach of the North Fork Feather River in Plumas County.
The higher flows in Rock Creek Reach are planned on August 18 and 19 and again on the fourth weekend of September. This portion of the river contains Class III, IV and V rapids, which are only appropriate for skilled paddlers, and 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 scheduled increase for August 18-19, flows in the Rock Creek Reach will be at about 450 cubic feet per second (cfs). On Saturday, August 18 flows will gradually increase to 1,100 cfs by 9 a.m. The flows will be held at that level until 3 p.m. that day, when flows will be reduced and held at 900 cfs until about 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 19, then gradually reduced back to about 450 cfs.
In September, planned recreational flows will peak at 900 cfs on September 22 and 23.
The recreational flows are done in cooperation with American Whitewater and the Rock Creek–Cresta Ecological Resource Committee and are usually done four weekends a year.
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, sub-surface obstacles, fast moving water, and transitions to full tunnels and pipes.
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 energy companies 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 pge.com/news.
