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

Split Hair Rock- Dangerous Undercut with Sieve

Deerfield - 3) Monroe Bridge to Bear Swamp (MA)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Deerfield River at Charlemont, MA Downstream Primary
Runnable: ? – ? CFS

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

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Split Hair Rock- Dangerous Undercut with Sieve
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

The Split Hair rock which marks the middle of the rapid where it turns left has both an undercut face plus an underwater sieve.

 

One paddler who was pinned underwater against the rock in the mid-1990's described seeing the light coming thru the sieve and was able to claw his way to safety thru the tunnel between the rocks. If you swim in this rapid above the rock quickly head for either side of the river.

 

In the pictures, taken at low water, the undercut rock and sieve between the two rocks is apparent. The tunnel between the rocks is likewise visible, it is just big enough to crawl through.

 

Note the brush and logs trapped in the undercut and sieve. These were completely submerged earlier in the day when the water was running at release level.

         
Location
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class IV
Mile Marker
0.8 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
3) Monroe Bridge to Bear Swamp
Deerfield
III-IV 2.5 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater