When Lake Palestine is above full pool (refer to
lake level gauge\-\- full pool is 345'), an artificial rapid (Blackburn Rapid) forms below the spillway as the released water goes over a low-water crossing and a ledge. At 347-348', the low-water crossing creates a great surf wave with dynamic eddies.
Distances and gradient measured using GIS tools in 2015.
NOTES:
-
Texas Whitewater suggests 900 cfs minimum on the Neches gauge and also suggests that the pool level of the lake should be 345.7 minimum. However, beta from paddlers suggests that this level is runnable but below optimal for playboating.
- Historically, the flow at the Neches gauge (which is many miles downstream) has correlated with the spillway release, but during periods of heavy rainfall, contributing flows from feeder streams may affect this correlation. Always check the lake level before making the trip out there.
- There are no rapids on the river below this point.