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Rapid SC Class III

Great Waves Rapid

Catawba - Great Falls Short Channel (SC)

Gauge Conditions
Runnable: ? – ? CFS

Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.

Photo
Great Waves Rapid
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

Once through Turtleback, there is about 50 yards before you enter the meat of the run. You'll see an 8' wide rock that looks like a broken bowl in the center of the river. This bowl rock marks the start of the rapid. Line is to the right of the toilet bowl, and then stay right of the pyramid rock. Pick your way down. Lots of surprisingly pushy water, back-to-back small drops, waves and surprise holes. Hug the right bank for the easiest route, or down center-right for a bit more action.  Left bank has a submerged tree. Rapid ends in wavetrain that looks like it could liven up at release-level flows. Reminiscent of Radiotower on Lower Noli, just without the getting-stuck-on-every-rock part. Lots of elevation drop over the rapid, but it's a consistnet grade with no major, nameable drops or holes. Looks to be potential for playspots and surfing at release flows.

Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class III
Mile Marker
0.2 mi
Directions
View Full Run
Great Falls Short Channel
Catawba
III+ 0.7 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater