Chippewa,

B) Jim Falls (0.5 mile)

Usual Difficulty	II-III (may vary with level)
Length	0.5 Miles
Avg. Gradient	30 fpm
Max Gradient	30 fpm

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.