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

Low-Head Dam

Pedernales - 1. Hye to Johnson City (16.7 miles) (TX)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Pedernales Rv near Fredericksburg, TX Upstream Primary
Runnable: 900.0 – 10,000.0 CFS

Upper limit on boatable flows uncertain. Please add a comment or report.

Pedernales Rv near Johnson City, TX Downstream Primary
Runnable: 1,500.0 – 15,000.0 CFS
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Low-Head Dam
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
The Low-Head Dam on the Pedernales River presents an extreme hazard to paddlers, creating a dangerous hydraulic that can trap and recirculate boats and swimmers. This artificial structure forms a uniform, river-wide ledge that generates a powerful backwash with virtually no escape routes, making it essentially unrunnable and a critical portage point for any river traveler.
Location
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class N/A
Mile Marker
5.3 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
1. Hye to Johnson City (16.7 miles)
Pedernales
II-IV 16.6 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater