Hatfield Hydro has released its 2009 schedule of whitewater flow releases on the Black River.

Where: Original river channel about 2.5 miles upstream from North American Hydro’s Hatfield Hydro Project on the Black River. A spillway gate will be opened so peak flows occur at the Highway K bridge area.

When: Whitewater flow releases this year will occur between 11:00 and 2:00 on Saturdays May 30^th, June 20^th, and September 12^th.  In addition, if there is enough water July 11th and August 8^th, releases will occur then as well.  The release will be cancelled if flows at USGS Neillsville gauge measure less than 50 cfs 24 hours in advance of the release.  Call 888.HYDROWI or 888.493.7694 for a flow update. 

Description: This river segment is characterized as Class II and Class III pool-drop rapids, requiring an intermediate to advanced skill level. Boaters should be aware that there are inherent risks associated with whitewater boating and are encouraged to use common sense at all times.  We will be evaluating various flows in 2009 starting as follows:

May 30                   11:00: 400 cfs; 12:00: 500 cfs; 1:00 600 cfs

June 20                   11:00: 600 cfs; 12:00 700 cfs

Remainder dates     to be determined by assessing previous flow releases

Directions:  Take Highway K to just south of Hatfield and south of the Black River, turn northeast on West Clay School Road. The put-in is located about 300 yards downstream of the Hatfield dam on the east side of the natural river channel.  Take out is either at the Highway K bridge located 800 yards below the dam or at the power house approximately 2.5 miles downstream.  Parking is available along West Clay School Road and at the power house.

Sign In: Please be sure to sign in at the put-in point as use is being monitored for further evaluation.

Information:  For more information, please call 888.HYDROWI or 888.493.7694.

Flow releases are provided by Hatfield Hydro (managed by North American Hydro Holdings) in conjunction with the Friends of the Black River, National Park Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and American Whitewater.