Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Hazard AL Class IV

Jonah's Whale

South Sauty Creek - Intersection of County Roads 43 and 56 to Bucks Pocket · AL

American Whitewater 34.4869, -85.9885

Save this feature with the run it belongs to.

Gauge Conditions

South Sauty Creek near Rainsville, Ala Upstream Primary
Runnable: 8.2 – 12.2 FT

7.5 - 8.2 USGS = 4 inches or less on the stick at the Pocket.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS

Photo

Jonah's Whale
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater

Description

A noteworthy rapid for sure and definitely one to scout for a first time.  Eddy out river right near the top.  The majority of the flow at the bottom of the rapid goes straight into a whale sized rock with a gaping mouth that tends to collect wood.  Low water closes off a rocky right channel, forcing you to stay in the current longer, although there will be less push.  At levels 8 inches or more though, and especially above 12, it's easy to get into this right channel and avoid the whale by the widest margin.  Walking is easy on river right.

Location

Interactive river map Loads as you approach this section.
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class IV
Mile Marker
1.9 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
Intersection of County Roads 43 and 56 to Bucks Pocket
South Sauty Creek
III-IV 6.4 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.

Current Conditions

5-Day Forecast

Whitewater data from
American Whitewater