Accident Database

Report ID#63771

2024-10-07
accident date
Chris Tulley
victim
23
victim age
South Fork Feather River
river
1. Little Grass Valley Reservoir to South Fork Diversion Dam
section
Cavin Falls aka The Crack Drop
location
n/a
gage
Medium
water level
V
river difficulty
Impact/Trauma, Swim into Rock or Sieve
cause code(s)
Head Injury / Concussion, Physical Trauma
injury type(s)
Inexperience
factors
Private
trip type
Whitewater Kayak
boat type
status?
status

Description

This happened many years ago, but I wanted to submit it to highlight a concern on the run. There are two very sticky holes above the portage on the S Fork Feather, and you do not want to swim the drop. A boater got stuck in the last hole, swam, and was not able to get into the portage eddy. They swam the portage. They lost both shoes, broke multiple toes, bruised their legs badly enough they worried they were broken and couldn’t walk for multiple weeks without severe pain. Their helmet was ripped off by the force of water. The rivets in the straps failed and tore off. They were ultimately fine, but this is a serious place to swim with serious consequence and hazard. Please only do this run if you have the skill and stamina required.