San Marcos, TX

Gauge Information

River Description

*******Notice*******

A dangerous "whirlpool" has formed at the Cottonseed Rapid, which is between Westerfield crossing and Scull Crossing. The rapids are composed of an old dam spillway that was blown-up in the 1940's, concrete slabs and rocks were left in the river, near the old cotton gin on County Rd. 103.

Gravel has washed out from under one of the long concrete slabs causing the river to rush under it, creating a whirlpool. Large debris has been spotted (including wood with nails sticking out of it). The water can be seen boiling up from under the concrete slab, just downstream. Given the amount of water rushing through that cavity it is unlikely a swimmer or kayaker would be able to fight their way out if there is any obstruction or debris under the slab.

The stretch of river is popular with tubers who would likely be routed by the water right into the whirlpool. A skilled boater may be able to avoid it, but tubers are sitting ducks. Nearby landowners are placing warning signs in the area and advising people to exit the river and walk along the island to avoid injury.

Please advise those on this stretch to exit the river as soon as they see the old Cottonseed dam, if they exit on river-right they can walk on the gravel island past the rapid and then put in below the danger.

GBRA, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Army Corps of Engineers have been contacted.

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This 5 mile section is a great run for whitewater beginners. The numerous rapids on this section include Old Mill, Broken Bone, Cottonseed (Class II), Martindale Dam and Unnamed Rapid. The Launch at Pecan Park starts with a small rock garden and winds its way to several other features with semi-short flat-water paddling between each set of rapids. Downed trees and river-wide strainers are common for this run which sometimes requires you to get out of your boat especially after recent flooding.

At higher water beware of Skulls Crossing, it can be easily portaged to the right. Another potential portage spot (other than obstacles like downed trees and flood debris) is Martindale Dam. While the Dam can be easily run center left many choose to portage it river right. Just after the Dam is another low water bridge that may require a portage at high water but at normal levels a small rapid forms under the bridge.

Pecan Park charges a nominal parking fee and requests that vehicles are not left in the way of campsites.

Put-in is approximately 517' elevation.
Take-out is approximately 488' elevation.
Thus total elevation change is approximately 29'.