South Skunk
Story City to Ames (PnP, 8 miles or 19 miles)
| Difficulty | II |
| Length | 18.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | South Skunk River Near Ames, Ia |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 228 cfslow runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | October 30, 2009 |
River Description
Rocky ledge/dams in a series of locations on this stream provide some whitewater opportunities. They can be linked in runs of various lengths (using various access points), but may almost as likely be done separately as a 'park-and-play' opportunities for whitewater boaters intent on maximizing play.
River Features
Story City
An old dam (adjacent to Story City Park and the athletic fields for the high school) was removed and replaced with 'rock-arch' structures in the river, creating three discrete drops (with eddies each side of each drop) and small surfable wave at bottom.
Somewhere in the 700-800 cfs range, the river becomes pushy enough that the three drops tend to merge. Strong paddlers will still find play, but beginners may be challenged.
Parking is convenient, and a short carry gets you to the river.
Photos of this location are available on the Iowa Whitewater Org - Story City
Soper's Mill
A couple of areas of rocky/ledge-y play exist in Soper's Mill County Park, separated by a short stretch of flatwater.
Pipe Wave
Hannum/Coon's dam, and Gauge
Hannum/Coon's dam (in a state of deterioration) is the site of at least two drownings.
This should not be considered a play spot! Recirculating current in this area should be avoided! It is best portaged on river right.
(The property in this area appears to be all privately held.) This is the location of the gauge cited for this river.
Photo and info available at Iowa Whitewater Org US Filter Dam.
Ames (River Valley Park) Dam
Paddlers should portage river right above the dam in Ames' River Valley Park.
There is great parking and a short carry to put in or take-out at this location.
Photo and info available at Iowa Whitewater Org - Ames Dam.
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