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

Pearce Ferry Rapid

Colorado - 19. Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead (NV)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Colorado River at Lees Ferry, AZ Upstream Primary
Runnable: 4,000.0 – 48,000.0 CFS
Colorado River near Grand Canyon, AZ Upstream Primary
Runnable: 4,000.0 – 48,000.0 CFS
Colorado Rvr above Diamond Creek near Peach Springs AZ Downstream Primary
Runnable: 4,000.0 – 48,000.0 CFS
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Pearce Ferry Rapid
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

Reservoir silt has filled in the old river channel which ran along the cliffs to the north. The river has cut a new channel to the south, exposing a rock ridge. As the reservoir level dropped this new rapid formed at mile 281. It has become a class 10+ on the Grand Canyon scale, or a class V on the international scale. As of 2023 a few highly skilled boaters have run the rapid but it is generally not recommended. The rapid is constantly changing as the river continues to erode the rock ridge that causes the rapid.  The rapid can be viewed by walking downstream about 10 minutes from the Pearce Ferry take out along well-used trails.  

Photos of Superimposition Rapid near Pearce Ferry, uncovered by the low lake levels.  Photos from February 2008.

Durango Bill's page with excellent photos and explanation of the formation of this rapid. 

The satellite view on the map tab gives a good close up view of this new rapid when you zoom in.

Location
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class V+
Mile Marker
281.7 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
19. Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead
Colorado
III-IV 300.0 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater