Learn about stars here

Kennebec, ME

Disclaimer

2) Lower Kennebec: Carry Brook to the Forks

Class II-III
7.8 Miles
Avg Gradient 17 fpm
Max Gradient 30 fpm

Gauge Information

med
4,060.00
7/24 15:15

Min Sug. Level:  2400

River Description

Often run as a continuation of the upper Gorge run of the Kennebec especially for larger water craft such as rafts. The put in is down a long steep staircase to the waters edge at Carry Brook. The river from this point down is generally class II and quickwater. The biggest rapid (Big Black Brook Rapid) comes shortly after the put in. Each rapid thereafter is easier to negotiate. Take out just before the bridge at the Forks on either the right or left banks. The river right takeout by the Ball field is easier.

Technical info

Put in elevation........706'
Take out elevation......574'
Total drop..............132'
Average drop/mile.......17'
Distance................7.8 miles 
River width average.....50'
River geology...........Slate ledge 
River water quality.....Good, clarity good.
Scenery.................Excellent, isolated wilderness river  
Wildlife................Deer, moose, osprey, eagles. 



StreamTeam Status: verified
Last Updated: 2007-02-23 21:50:41

Search Results

Photos/Videos 1- of 4

Z-Turn


Z-Turn  Kennebec River ME
(173.70KB .jpeg)

Surfing Z-Turn


Surfing Z-Turn  Kennebec River ME
(134.89KB .jpeg)

Magic Falls


Magic Falls  Kennebec River ME
(1.23MB .avi)

Z-Turn


Z-Turn  Kennebec River ME
(30.67KB .jpeg)

1

This topic does not exist yet

You’ve followed a link to a topic that doesn’t exist yet.

If permissions allow (as a AW Member, you may edit River Wiki, for example) you may create it by using the “Create This Page Button” below by hovering your mouse over the edit wrench.

If you don’t see a wrench, you don’t have permission to edit or edit is turned off.

If you don’t know what you are doing click on the sandbox and instructions link off the create page link.

Gauge

Gauge Description:

The flow in this section is controlled by Harris Dam, a hydro facility located 4 miles upstream from the put in. It takes approximately 1 hour for the release to reach Carry Brook. Call Central Maine Power Company at 207-672-4848 for release information. Use the gauge as reference only. This gives a good indication of recent daily release levels.

The Kennebec is a dam controlled river. An agreement worked out between the rafting, boating, and power company has guaranteed water on weekends. Normally you can expect 4800 cfs from 10 am until 2 pm but that can change depending on conditions. At times of drought the flows will remain at 4800 cfs but the release times can be cut back 2 hours (10am to 12 pm). Early in the season (May) flows may be higher (6000 cfs) and for longer durations.

In addition to the daily flows stated above a new settlement agreement between FPL and American Whitewater goes into effect this year. There will be four 8,000 cfs release scheduled along with several 2400 cfs releases. (See below for dates). 8000 cfs releases increase the overall difficulty to class IV+. 2400 cfs releases makes for a more technical run.

From May 1st through Columbus day in October, the daily release will be a minimum of 4800 cfs, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

From June 15th through September 15th, 1pm to 3 pm minimum release will be 2400 cfs.

Between June 15th and September 15th in consultation with AW, AMC, & NEFLOW there will be four Sunday releases at a minimum of 2400 cfs during the hours of 1pm and 3pm.

In consultation with all interested parties there will be four releases of 8000 cfs provided each rafting season during the hours of 10 am and 1 pm.



For the latest flow information call (800) 557-3569 Dial 5 for Kennebec.

2007 Kennebec Settlement Flows

Date

Time

Flow Date Time Flow
Sat., June 16th 10am to 1pm 8000 cfs Sun., Aug. 5th 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs
1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs
Sat., June 23rd 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs Sat., Aug. 11th 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs
Sat., June 30th 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs Sat., Aug. 18th 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs
Sat., July 7th 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs Sun., Aug. 19th 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs
Mon., July 9th 10am to 1pm 8000 cfs Sat., Aug. 25th 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs
Sat., July 14th 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs Sat., Sept. 1st 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs
Sun., July 15th 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs Sun., Sept. 2nd 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs
Sat., July 21st 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs Sat., Sept. 8th 10am to 1pm 8000 cfs
1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs
Sat., July 28th 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs Sat., Sept. 22nd 10am to 1pm 8000 cfs
Sat., Aug. 4th 1pm to 3 pm 2400 cfs






Kennebec R at The Forks [ ME ]

Current Conditions

Stage Flow Updated
4.38 4060 7/24 15:15

Station Graphs


Linked Reaches

Search Results

Level Legend: Running Below Minimum Recommended Flow Above Maximum Recommended Flow Unknown
Descriptions of reaches with River Name in bold have been verified by a regional StreamTeam member.

State River Name/Section Class Level Rel. Level Updated
ME Kennebec— 2) Lower Kennebec: Carry Brook to the Forks II-III 4,060.00   med 7/24 15:15

Station Description

AW Gauge ID:28
USGS Station:01042500
HUC:01030001
Latitude:45.3403
Longitude:-69.9633
Class:6

WXPort

News




Guidebooks



World Whitewater: A Global Guide for River Runners
$16.07


Let it Rain: A paddlers guide to northeastern US and Canada
$39.95

No Comments

Add a Comment

Rapid Summary

Mile Rapid Name Class Features (Legend)
0.0Map of the Forks MainePutin Takeout Photo
0.0Map Key
0.5Big Black Brook RapidIII

Rapid Descriptions

Map of the Forks Maine

The Forks Maine

The Forks Maine
Photo of Map of area by Mark Lacroix


Map Key
1. 1. Webb’s Dead River Campground & Shuttle Service: Shuttles to the Dead put in, campground with showers. For shuttle service call (207) 663-2114 and ask for Karen. To book a site at Webb's campground call River Drivers to make the reservations. That phone number is: 207-663-4475. The cost is $5.00 per person, per night, plus 7% State tax.
2. Appleton’s restaurant: Pizza, subs, ice cream, breakfast.
3. River Drivers: Rafting, etc.
4. Paddling shop: Dead River Outfitters
5. Berry’s General Store: Gas, Beer, food, supplies, pizza, subs
6. The Ball field campground: Primitive campsites, porta-poties, no showers. Take out for Lower Kennebec.
7. Crab Apple Camping Rafting, hot tub, bar, food.
8. Public Picnic area: also used as Lower Kennebec take out.
9. The Marshall Hotel (Hotel Cocktails): Food, bar, horse shoes, pool table.
10. Dead River takeout.
11. Majic Falls Rafting: Raft trips, camping
12. Three Rivers Whitewater & Kelly Brook campground
13. Northern Outdoors Camping, Rafting, restaurant, hot tub, bar, entertainment
14. North Country Rivers Rafting, etc.
15. Professional River Runners: Rafting, etc.
16. New England Outdoor Center: Rafting, Paddling shop, etc.
17. Indian Pond campground
Not on map:
Moxie Gore cabins: : $30 per night
Moxie Outdoor Outfitters: 866-663-2646 Large cabins $75 per night

Big Black Brook Rapid (Class III, Mile 0.5)
This is the biggest rapid on this section. The route is easily boat scouted. Waves can be large at 4800 cfs release levels and huge at 6000+ cfs.



Nonmember Message

Member Message

AW Membership Status

Please join AW.

To enjoy extra features of this website please register by clicking here.No permissions.

Volunteer Opportunities / Activities

StreamTeam


Disclaimer Data Sources

EPA Surf This Watershed

USGS Page for This Station

NPS ME Rivers Inventory


Journal Archive Articles

Fireworks on the Kennebec Gorge
Kennebeckoning
Hydropower Update - Kennebec River, Dead River, ME


 River Alert  
 State News  
 River Links  
  (RSS)  
  (KML)help  
  (mobile)  
 River Info (mobile)