B) Horlick Dam to Quarry Park (0.2 - 0.6 mile)

Quick Facts: Location: northwest edge of city of Racine. Put-in: 42.7520, -87.8235 (Root River Dam, Old Mill Road, Racine, WI) Take-out: 42.7462, -87.8218 (3340 Northwestern Court, Racine, WI) (Quarry Lake Park, Racine) Shuttle: 0.2-0.6 miles (For short-run: just carry-up in Quarry Park. For full run; either carry, or car shuttle to parking at dam.) Video Link: *https://youtu.be/U53g71\_0PtQ?t=35* Character: Sloping bedrock (with virtually no instream rocks until the pool at the end of the run) creates fine playable features in fairly uniform-width channel. River banks: Relatively steep limestone rock, tree-lined banks provide almost a 'up-north wilderness' feel in a county park within city limits. Typical width: 70-120 ft. Put-in is approximately 620' elevation. Take-out is approximately 600' elevation. Thus total elevation change is approximately 20'. Drainage area: 190 square miles 10/85 Gradient Upstream of Put-in: 2.2 fpm (Low upstream gradient means rain in the upper watershed will take a day or two to bring this section to 'peak'.) Percent Developed Upstream of Put-in: 30% (Low/Moderate development means runoff pattern will change seasonally; winter/spring will take much less to kick up flow, summer/fall will take considerably more rain to kick things up, since general lack of impermeable surface will soak up most light-to-moderate rainfall.) 10% Flow Exceeds: 419 cfs (I.E., on average, about 36 days per year should exceed this flow) 90% Flow Exceeds: 10 cfs 10/90 Flow Ratio: 41.9 (I.E., this is a fairly 'flashy' river (wide range of flows); summer storms can take flow from 10 cfs to over 3,000 cfs in two days, and (once past peak) flows can drop as much as 500-600 in 24 hours.) Flow Info (using USGS flow data 2015-2025): Average days per year above 200 cfs: 92 Average days per year above 400 cfs: 47 Average days per year above 900 cfs: 14 Average days per year above 1,200 cfs: 8 Average days per year above 1,500 cfs: 4.7 Average days per year above 2,000 cfs: 2.3 NOTE regarding flows: There is a gauge about 20 miles upstream (Root River at 8 Mile Road) which can be a predictor of flows in this section about 24-36 hours later. (Not saying it's 100% accurate, just that it's pretty good.) That gauge is used on the upstream section of the Root which is (primarily) a fine canoe and recreational kayak section. General Overview Shallow bedrock ledges in a fairly uniform width, unobstructed channel create a sweet series of green (ok, more like brown) waves for surfs and (at high water) major freestyle action. Many who have done this reach (at levels above 1400-1800 cfs) have proclaimed the play waves here to be among the best in the state! Not bad, considering it's in the southeast corner of the state where one would not expect to find good whitewater! Access and parking are convenient both at the upper put-in by the Horlick Dam and at the take-out in Quarry Lake Park. (Most boaters just park at the take-out and do the short (~0.2 mile) carry up to put-in above 'Upper Pipeline.) In winter or early spring when the water is up, don't let a windy, raw day discourage you from boating this reach. High banks flank the river, sheltering you from almost all wind conditions while on the water. (It will only be a factor as you carry up the paved path in the park.) I've boated it with the temperature in the low 30's, and wind-chills of single-digits or teens, and have been fine while on the river. Additionally, the existence of the dam and its millpond (at the head of this reach) holds back ice in winter. The stretch that we boat downstream of the dam will often flush free of ice after a day or two of winter warming, allowing for reasonably safe boating. (Always check for ice-shelves in pools before putting on in winter!) Be aware this is a VERY popular fishing stream. During spring (March/April) and fall (October +/- 2weeks) when the Steelhead, Salmon, Trout, etc., are running, be prepared to share the river with scores of anglers. Fortunately water levels most conducive to boating are generally unfavorable for fishing, so there is seldom a problem. Most fishermen will be found up by the dam (down to the first bend), and in the pool below the final playspot (and along the golf course river-frontage downstream). Do your best not to interfere too much with their fishing. When possible, wait until they are pulling-in their line (or changing tackle) before passing them (whether going downstream or coming up an eddy they are in). Most fishermen will return courtesy if you show them courtesy. Occasionally you'll encounter a more belligerent one who does not want to share the river, and will take any whitewater boater's presence as a personal affront. It is likely nothing you do or say will change such an attitude. When you encounter this, it's likely best to stay well-away, and move elsewhere on the river as soon as possible.