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

Rapid CA Class IV+

The Fat Lady Sings

American Whitewater 41.3876, -123.4180

Save this feature with the run it belongs to.

Gauge Conditions

Salmon River a Somes Bar CA Downstream Primary

Runnable: 1,850.0 – 6,000.0 CFS

Low flow for kayaks

Data from American Whitewater & USGS

Description

The Fat Lady Sings is the only truly named rapid on Wooley Creek and, fittingly, marks the last major drop on the run—though not the final rapid. It’s a series of boulder-formed pourovers that is technical at low flows and pushy with big holes at higher flows. Often cited as the run’s biggest rapid, that title is arguable, with the double drop just upstream also in contention. Boat-scout from river left before entering the main flow, or scout from the right bank for a more conservative look. The primary portage route is on the right, but re-entry can be tricky. At low flows, it may be possible to run partway down the left and then portage from the river-left boulder bar.