Fall 2024 Update on California Whitewater Boating Releases
We have some exciting fall releases and boating information to share! Fall is the driest time of year in California and has the fewest boating opportunities, but American Whitewater has worked to secure releases to help keep you on the water. Plus, our annual Feather River Festival is also coming up with great boating and camaraderie and we could use some more volunteers to help make it a success!
NF Feather - Poe + Bardees Bar (Class V, Class III/IV)
American Whitewater secured two weekend releases for the Poe/Bardees Bar Run as part of PG&E’s hydropower license. The first release weekend this year happens during Feather Fest, making this section of river available for festival attendees.
The 2024 Poe Run Boating Flow Schedule is:
September 28-29: 1400 cfs from 9am on Saturday to 3 pm on Sunday.
October 12-13: 1400 cfs from 9am on Saturday to 3 pm on Sunday.
SF Feather - Little Grass Valley Reservoir (Class IV-V)
South Feather Water & Power Agency just informed us of the fall drawdown schedule that provides boating opportunities on the South Fork Feather's Little Grass Valley Reservoir Run. Because of maintenance needs, the drawdown is happening over fewer days than usual, but with higher flows.
September 18-19: Ramp up from minimum instream flows to approximately 425 cfs.
September 20 - October 6: Release 425 cfs.
October 7-8: Ramp down from 425 cfs to minimum instream flows.
Pit River - Pit 1 (Class III-IV)
American Whitewater secured two weekend releases each fall for the Pit 1 Run as part of PG&E’s hydropower license. In addition, PG&E is doing powerhouse maintenance this October, and boatable flows are expected continuously between the two release weekends.
October 4-6: Release weekend, guaranteed flows, likely ~800 cfs.
October 7-10: Powerhouse maintenance, boatable flows of 600+ cfs expected.
October 11-13: Release weekend, guaranteed flows, likely ~800 cfs.
Feather Fest - September 27-29
Also a reminder that Feather Fest, the largest gathering of boaters on the West Coast, is just around the corner on September 27-29! See our Event Page for all the important information and give a follow to the Feather Fest Facebook Page.
We’re still looking for a few extra hands to help make the event a success. If you’re available, we’d love to have you on board! You can sign up to volunteer here!