C) Batavia Dam (PnP)

Quick Facts: Location: Downtown Batavia, IL (Approximately 40 miles due west from downtown Chicago). Shuttle Length: Carry up (Park-and-huck/park-and-play) Character: City surroundings. A dam on a fairly large watershed river (therefore almost always at least some semi-playable flow) provides local boaters moving water practice, and (with caution) a IV-ish slot to run. As of  August 7th, 2023, Batavia City council voted in favor of a plan to remove the failing dam, replacing it with step-down structures which will maintain present pond-height and enhance whitewater opportunities at this site. This is merely the first step in the process, as the proposal has to be approved by the IDNR and ACE (Army Corps of Engineers) before it can proceed. UPDATE (2024.10.01): Showing how slowly these things move, more than a full year after the above-mentioned approval to remove the dam, the council has now proposed (for sometime in 2025) a feasibility study. Which means no removal nor construction of rock-arch 'step-down structures until at least 2016. Details here: dailyherald.com/20241001/news/batavia-city-council-continues-looking-at-dam-removal/ General Overview An 8' dam (sloping face, runnable in a number of different spots at different levels, for varied thrills) is followed by good currents. At high water, a river-right bedrock slide (shown in the foreground in the 'feature photo' above-right) provides a bit of a 'rapids-running' opportunity, while river-left route provides a quick class IV-ish plunge. This slot is prone to catching debris, thus should always be scouted before running. As of this writing (2006.02.26) it is completely open/clear. While this entire area is not generally noted for any specific playspots, it does have its proponents as a convenient spot for locals to get a bit of a moving water workout. You can practice eddy-turns, ferries, peel-outs, and assorted other skills, in addition to the possibility of getting a short, quick 'vertical rush'. Note: This is not recommended for those not familiar with whitewater and features that cause hydraulic recirculations. 'Low-head' dams are one of the most hazardous and potentially fatal river features that paddlers encounter. Many people die each year trying to run dams and getting inescapably caught in the recirculation at the base of the dam. Before anyone considers running any dam, they should have formal whitewater training, and have the _knowledge and good judgement_ to know the difference between a fun situation and one that is a potential killer. Paddling with at least two partners, each having throw ropes is (as always) advised, in order to be prepared to handle emergency situations. That said, at a very wide range of flows, this area holds very little risk for _trained, experienced_ paddlers.