Black (Jackson Co.),

E) Hatfield Dam to Power Plant (3.2 miles)

WI, Black River, Surf Wave

WI, Black River, Surf Wave
Photo by Thomas O'Keefe В© taken 820472400

Gauge Information

River Description

Please call the hydro number (1-888-HYDROWI) before heading here for any releases.

When runnable, this reach can provide some rare "big water" play in Wisconsin.

It may be done as either a 'park-and-play' at the put-in (where the best play waves are) or as the listed three mile run from the dam to the powerplant. The run may be extended to a landing at Hall's Creek to add two more drops, though most forego the added flatwater this necessitates.

The usual run actually starts about a quarter-mile below the dam (the first point reached from the carry-in from normal roadside boater parking). Between the dam and this point lie some serious drops which contains near inescapable boiling cauldrons at standard release levels and higher (class IV-V+).

Note: As long as one puts in below this upper stretch, there no rapids which rise above the class II-III rating.

In times of lower flow the above-mentioned drops are runnable, and may provide some class III-IV entertainment.
Also at times of lower flow (I.E., when this reach is 'dewatered' due to the power plant diverting all the flow), boaters may wish to check out the short reach from below the hydroplant to Hall's Creek landing, as all water which had been diverted from the upper reach will now be returned to the riverbed for these final two drops. Runnability will, of course, depend upon power generation schedules.

For additional description, see Upper Midwest PaddleGuide

For additional photos, see Midwest River Inventory