Gauge Conditions
Arguably most difficult at 4-5'. Above 5', things begin to wash out, though there are some BIG holes and waves.
Photo
Description
One of the more technical rapids in the Loop. The usual line is to run in the middle of a ledge at the entrance to the rapid. The current wants to push you either left into a rock or right into a crosscut hole called "Charlie's Washing Machine." Being pushed either right or left is to be avoided, stay in the center. (The hydraulic formed by this ledge may be the best cartwheelin' playhole on the river.) An alternate line is to ride the "Frog's Back" slot between two boulders just to the right of the main line. Below this first ledge, at usual summertime levels, a rocky shoal forms in the center of the rapid. In all cases, once you take this first drop IMMEDIATELY either catch an eddy or aggressively catch the main current to the left or a slot to the right. The left main current goes back and forth like a slalom; the right into a pool with several slots below. Eddy to river-right at the bottom. The Loop take-out is on river-right.
Between the high 3's and the high 4's the middle of the rapid opens up with large standing waves and holes. At higher levels [above 6'], the right side can be considered.
Location
Other Rapids on This Run (20)
Rapid
II+
Rapid
II
Hazard
III
Rapid
III+
Rapid
II+
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
American Whitewater