PG&E urges caution during North Fork flow increase

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. urges the public to take extra safety precautions as water flows will be higher through the weekend of July 27 and 28 on a portion of the North Fork Feather River for whitewater recreation. During the higher flows this part of the river contains Class III, IV and V rapids, which are only appropriate for skilled paddlers, and not appropriate for tubing.

The Rock Creek Reach is the 8.3-mile portion of the North Fork Feather River in the Plumas National Forest, between PG&E’s Rock Creek Dam and the Rock Creek Powerhouse near Storrie. By 9 a.m. Saturday, July 27, flows will be increased to 1,100 cubic feet per second before starting to reduce at 3 p.m. to 900 cfs. On Sunday, June 30, flows will be at 900 cfs until 2 p.m. when flows will be gradually reduced to the season normal of approximately 400 cfs.  

Additional recreational flows are scheduled for the weekends of Aug. 24 and 25 and Sept. 28 and 29. The recreational flows are conducted in cooperation with the American Whitewater organization and the Rock Creek–Cresta Ecological Resource Committee and are usually held four weekends a year in June, July, August and September.  

PG&E offers the following water safety tips:  

• Stay out of cold water. Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.

• Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface. Swift water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are strongly recommended.

• Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay out of canals and flumes, which are very dangerous due to slippery sides, subsurface obstacles, fast-moving water and transitions to full tunnels and pipes. More water safety tips are available at http://www.pge.com/hydrosafety.

Information provided by Pacific Gas and Electric Co.