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

Powerhouse Hole

San Joaquin - 3. Horseshoe Bend (Redinger Dam to Kerckhoff Reservoir) (CA)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
SAN JOAQUIN River Above WILLOW Creek Near AUBERRY CA Upstream Primary
Runnable: ? – ? CFS

Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
CDEC Flow Data California
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER NFW Primary
Elevation: 5,200 ft
Data from California Data Exchange Center (CDEC)
Photo
Powerhouse Hole
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

At flows above 3,000 cfs and probably a bit less, this rapid funnels into a large wave. At lower flows the wave has a strong reversal, fills the channel and is an automatic boat flipper. Kayaks are cartwheeled and flushed once empty. Rafts can be flipped and held. Swimmers flush immediately but deeply. There is an easy scout or portage on the left, but it can also be scouted on the right.

There is also a man made side channel to the right which offers a fairly easy sneak route for kayakers.  The exit from this side channel can get choked with bushes, so stay straight when you bash through them.  Also there may be some bolts or rods in the streambed that damaged one kayak.  We hope to remove them at low water. 

Location
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class III+
Mile Marker
5.9 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
3. Horseshoe Bend (Redinger Dam to Kerckhoff Reservoir)
San Joaquin
III-IV(V) 7.0 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater