Milwaukee - B) Grafton Dells: Bridge Street to Lime Kiln Park Landing (PnP or 1.2 miles) (WI)
Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.
Width: 55' Length: 100'-250'
The right channel (around the aforementioned island) twists right then left, and trips across a short bedrock intrusion ('ledge').
Minor play may be possible as low as perhaps 250 - 1000 cfs, however the river is shallow immediately downstream, and holds many rocks, so any flips or rolls will be brutal in these low ranges. (One local boater suffered a dislocation here and dissuades all he talks with from playboating here!)
As levels head into the 1000-1300 cfs range (on the listed 'virtual gauge') the wave starts to build nicely (though still backed up rather immediately by shallow rock, and the eddy and shape of the wave can make it challenging to regain the wave).
As levels hit the 1300-2000 cfs range (and possibly a bit higher), this is great for fast, powerful surfs (though seldom, if ever, retentive enough for full-out rodeo moves). I'm not sure at what level (on the high end) it disappears or becomes unplayable, though generally it is washed out above 3000 cfs.
Just downstream, where the currents rejoin (at the end of the small island), depth is generally sufficient for bow-stalls and stern-squirts, as well as fine ferrying and eddy practice for beginners. This makes a fine park-and-play spot (even having warm bathrooms for changing out of the elements), though there is really just the one good wave/hole to play here.
Hazard
N/A
Playspot
I
Playspot
I
Playspot
I
Hazard
II+
Playspot
I