Hatchery Ford to above Upper Mesa Falls (Sheep Falls Run)Class II-V
6.88 Miles
Avg Gradient 44 fpm
Gauge Information
Henrys Fork
River DescriptionSee G. Amaral, Idaho: the Whitewater State (Watershed, 1992).Lat / Longitude data are very approximate. This run is a beautiful canyon consisting of mellow class II-III whitewater and three class V drops. The old Idaho guide book describes this as a scenic run with three portages. Other people think of it as a fun run with three good rapids and some flat water. Either way it’s beautiful and worth the effort. Also, generally runs all season. StreamTeam Status: unverified
Last Updated: 2008-05-07 14:30:14
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| Low: | Less than 1,700 cfs |
| Med: | 1,800 - 2,400 cfs |
| High: | 2,500 cfs and up |
Henrys Fork nr Ashton, ID [ ID ] |
Current Conditions
Station Graphs |
| Level Legend: | Running | Below Minimum Recommended Flow | Above Maximum Recommended Flow | Unknown |
| State | River Name/Section | Class | Level | Rel. Level | Updated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID | Henrys Fork— Hatchery Ford to above Upper Mesa Falls | II-V | 1,890 cfs | med | 7/24 11:29 | |
| ID | Henrys Fork— Lower Mesa Falls | V | 1,890 cfs | med | 7/24 11:29 | |
| ID | Henrys Fork— Lower Mesa Falls to Warm River | II+ | 1,890 cfs | med | 7/24 11:29 |
| AW Gauge ID: | 4960 |
| USGS Station: | 13046000 |
| HUC: | 17040203 |
| Latitude: | 44.0750 |
| Longitude: | -111.4994 |
| Class: | 4 |
User Comments |
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2005-11-10 22:02:09 (986 days ago)
Sarah Kemper
The Ashton gage is the ACCEPTED gage for this run. There is not a "correct" gage. The Island Park gage does not include the flow from the Buffalo Fork (which is often larger than the Henrys Fork itself at Island Park). Theoretically, the flow from the Island Park gage could be added to the flow from the Buffalo Fork. The problem is that the gage on the Buffalo Fork is above the confluence with Lava Creek. Lava Creek does not have a gage, but guessing by the picture above, it might be significant. The problem with the Ashton gage is that it also includes the flow from the Warm River.
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2005-10-06 13:32:13 (1022 days ago)
andy walters
The wrong gauge is listed for this run. The correct gauge in the one located near Island Park .
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| Mile | Rapid Name | Class | Features (Legend) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | Getting There |     | |
| 0.0 | Put-In |  | |
| 2.7 | Drop No. 1: Sheep Falls | 5.0 | |
| 2.8 | Drop No. 2: | 5.0 | |
| 5.0 | Drop No. 3: | 5.1 | |
| 6.3 | The Ledge Hole | IV | |
| 6.9 | Take-Out | |
Sheep Falls is located on a sweeping left turn. Noticeable by a significant horizon line and a hint of spray. Eddie out river right to scout and/or portage. Both the two-tiered part of the drop on the left or the slide on center right are runnable.
This rapid is immediately after Sheep Falls. Easiest to scout both while you�re out of your boat, or if you�re portaging�just keep walking. This drop is as intimidating as it is safe. Take note of the two small entrance holes � they�re bigger than they look from the bank. Otherwise, straight down the tongue, baby! Huge, flat pool at the bottom, minimal consequences. Under 1600cfs this drop gets very sticky and isn�t usually run. Over 2500cfs it only gets better! When portaging there are two possibilities for re-entering the river. The best is to slide off a rock at water level into the current right below the meat of the drop. People have seal-launched the high rock, but you run the risk of breaking your boat on the underwater rocks. If you don�t like the look of this: hope you�re wearing long pants. You will be hiking for a while, navigating a steep embankment, and wading through waist-high stinging nettle.
This drop is a river-wide, sticky, ledge hole. It can be run anywhere if you have a good relationship with your boof stroke. Otherwise, run left � you can see the drop from the river left eddy. This hole has been known to re-circulate swimmers and empty boats.
Class I if you make it, class VI if you miss. Don�t float over Upper Mesa Falls! Exit river left and smile at the tourists.
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