Gauge Conditions

Clinton River at Auburn Hills, MI Upstream Primary

Runnable: 150.0 – 1,000.0 CFS

Low/boatable.

Clinton River at Sterling Heights, MI Downstream Primary

Runnable: 200.0 – 2,000.0 CFS

Likely low/scrapey flow. We need your input! Please add comment or report about best flows here!

Data from American Whitewater & USGS

Photo

Photo courtesy of American Whitewater

Description

Plan on scouting and portaging at this dam. People have died due to being unaware of the real danger here! (It's not about the drop, it's about the recirculation at the base.)

That said, at some flows this dam may be safely run by suitably experienced paddlers, with proper precautions and careful assessment of the backwash. Have someone with a throw-rope (and the knowledge of how to use it) on shore.

Pay special attention to the boil-line below the dam as a canoe runs the dam in this video (at 1:48+). https://youtu.be/SoQA1ExjwYA

Be aware that a shorter boat (like a play kayak) will not 'bridge' the drop nearly so well, and is more likely to get caught in the reversal! Please do not be the next death in this classic killer 'low-head dam'.