Chippewa,
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B) Jim Falls (0.5 mile)
Class II-III
0.5 Miles
Avg Gradient 30 fpm
Max Gradient 30 fpm
ELLEN at BIG DROP
ELLEN at BIG DROPPhoto of Ellen M. by Ken S. taken 2005
River Description
This short reach of river is class II and class III pool-drop rapids, requiring intermediate to
advanced skill level. Releases will take place into the original river channel betweeen the dam and
Xcel Energy's Jim Falls Hydro Project on the Chippewa River.
The upper portion of this reach contains little more than rocks and current. While some may wish to
put in up by the dam to have a little 'warm-up' before the action, most will prefer to just put-in
at an old bridge midway down the channel.
Below the bridge, a mix of rocks and chutes provide a few spots for minor play. There are plenty of
'stealth rocks' in the flow and in some eddies, just to keep you on your guard. Reportedly, the
summer release flows are somewhat 'thin', so best play may be at the spring levels.
Directions: The Jim Falls Hydro Project is located about 8 miles northwest of Chippewa Falls
(between Chippewa Falls and Cornell, WI), at the junction of County Highway Y and Highway 178. The
put-in is upstream on river right, in a pool at the old bridge. The take-out is downstream on river
right, about 100 yards from the County Y bridge. Parking is available at the put-in.
A sign-in sheet will be posted at the put-in. Please be sure to sign! Records will
determine continuity of use of releases at the 6-year evaluation.
For additional information, contact Joe Wawrzaszek at Spring Street Sports, Chippewa Falls:
715.723.6616 or by e-mail at sss@charter.net.
If you'd like to be added to an email list to be advised of each year's release dates, email your
request to robert.w.olson@xcelenergy.com.
Additional questions may be directed to Angie Tornes at angie_tornes@nps.gov
Increased flows are provided as a result of hydropower relicensing activities undertaken by Xcel
Energy in conjunction with the National Park Service (Rivers & Trails Program), Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and local boating groups.
A fine 'companion piece' may be the
Big
Falls of the Eau Claire, which lies just about 15 miles due south of Jim Falls, and about 9
miles due east of Eau Claire, WI.
StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2007-06-20 14:01:16
No guide books for this stream. If you know of a book that describes this stream please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. 
User Comments
picnic area provides a parking lot and easy access to the river.The river is very shallow and a
short walk up river is required during normal level.This put in allows you to get lined up on the
river left chute below the bridge.this is a narrow chute that starts with a left turn into a
gradual slope down streem.During normal levels, there are 2 rocks at the end of the chute.A hard
right is required although I have managed to canoe threw them.