Oatka Creek

Ran this 3/12/2011 around 5.25' or so down to the falls. A few strainers but all with sneak lines. However, I would recommend going left at the island instead of right as there is a nasty strainer and sticky situation as the right side converges back to the main. After scouting this we simply portaged across the island and put in on left side. Fun run at this level!

Note -- Ran today (4/28/2011) and everything was clean -- not strainers. Right side was clear.

Stage 6 feet is considered flood by the USGS.

Doug Roode at the base of Buttermilk Falls, preparing for a seal launch into the creek (stage 4.5 feet on the Garbutt gauge). Typical spring conditions in upstate New York (March 2001).
Harry Marinakis, M.D. paddles off into the sunset after a seal launch from the ice formations at the base of Buttermilk Falls (4.5 feet on the Garbutt gauge).
Doug Roode (left), Steve Baker (center) and Jim Albano rip up the famous Oatka Creek surf wave at 4.5 feet on the Garbutt gauge (March 2001).
A view of Buttermilk Falls and the abandoned railroad bridge just upstream. This waterfall is not runnable, as the pool below is shallow and clogged with debris.