Stony
A) Slate Lake (CR1) to 424 (8.4 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 8.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 10 fpm |
| Reach Info Last Updated | January 18, 2015 |
River Description
This stretch of river is fairly low gradient, canoe-tripping and beginners territory, consisting essentially of ponds and lakes with the connecting river having generally easy boulderbed rapids. A few rock dams and rapids may allow some play opportunities.
River Features
Put In
Drainage: 163 sq.mi.
At the put-in drainage area is about 163 square miles (to the best I can do using online planimeter and topomaps).
CR1 Bridge Supports
First off, all which follows is via online aerial views of river, thus is very tentative and should not be considered or expected to be comprehensive or entirely accurate assessment of what may be found on this section of river. Anyone having first-hand knowledge is encouraged to help out your fellow boaters by adding a comment or report (with photos/videos if possible).
It appears there is one (or more?) bridge piers, and possibly considerable rocky rubble under the bridge, which may (or may not) create some minor opportunities for whitewater maneuvers.
Rock Dam
Aerial view appears to show a river-wide line of rock (a rock dam, perhaps?). Perhaps minor play at some flows.
Narrowing
The river narrows, and nearly 0.2mile low-grade rapids will be encountered.
Second Narrowing
Another narrowing (after a pond), and another low-grade boulderbed rapids.
Third Narrowing
After more pool(s), another narrowing and low-grade rapids. Early on, an island is encountered. Right is wider (more of the flow), and likely more gradual, while left is narrow and may have a slightly more significant drop (still not overly difficult).
Short Boulderbed
A short boulder field separates two pools. It may finish with a slightly more significant (playable) wave/hole.
Minor rapids / bridge (ford?)
A brief pool follows the prior drop. As the river narrows, a very minor boulderbed occurs, and a doubletrack crosses the stream. (This could be either a bridge or just a drive-thru (ford) in the stream. If a bridge, expect it could be minimal (or no) clearance. If a ford, it could create a wave/hole at some flow(s).)
Possible Access
A (very roughly) midway point allows access/egress, as a road (and a good parking area) exist river-left.
Nip Creek
Nip Creek enters from river-left.
Boulderfield
A short boulderfield appears here, but appears it may have no gradient. At best boatable flows it may be covered and not even be noticed. At lower flows, it could be problematic finding a way through without getting hung up on numerous rocks.
Rocky Narrow
Coming out of a pool the river narrows between rocky banks and has some apparent gradient. Expect some minor rapids and waves.
Rock Dam
After passing a private property (river-left), it appears there is a small rock dam which may cause a wave/hole at good boatable flows. A very brief boulderbed follows before a short pool where the river does a sharp turn to the left, encountering another boulderbed with some good gradient.