Hazard
TX
Low-Head Dam
Save this feature with the run it belongs to.
Gauge Conditions
Runnable: ? – ? CFS
Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
The Low-Head Dam on Pipe Creek presents an extremely dangerous hydraulic recirculation zone that can trap and drown paddlers, creating an unrunnable and life-threatening obstruction. This fixed concrete structure spans the entire river width, generating a uniform, powerful backwash that prevents escape once a boat or swimmer is pulled into its current. Experienced paddlers must absolutely portage or avoid this hazard completely, as low-head dams are known as "drowning machines" due to their uniform, inescapable water circulation.
Location
Interactive river map
Loads as you approach this section.
Other Rapids on This Run (10)
Rapid
N/A
SH 16 Bridge
Hazard
N/A
Low-Head Dam
Hazard
N/A
Bump Gate Rd (Low-Water Crossing)
Waterfall
N/A
Unnamed Falls
Hazard
N/A
Heisler Rd (Low-Water Crossing)
Rapid
N/A
Confluence with Red Bluff Creek
Rapid
III
Unnamed Rapid
Hazard
VI
Wonder Hole
Rapid
N/A
FM 1283 Bridge
Rapid
N/A
Red Bluff Ranch Rd (Low Bridge)
View Full Run
SH 16 to Medina River (Red Bluff Ranch Drive) (8.2 miles)
Pipe Creek-Red Bluff Creek (current beta needed)
II-III(IV)
5.7 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
American Whitewater