Dinkey Creek

This pipe releases 10 cfs from the Dinkey Creek Siphon all year round by order of FERC. The blast is strong enough to instantly capsize any kayaker that passes through. Most boaters portage this part of an otherwise class 4 rapid. This release is about 40 yards below the siphon. The siphon is the huge silver overhead pipe which carries water from the NF Kings to the Kings River powerhouse.
This large pipe carries water from the NF Kings River to the Kings River powerhouse on the other side of the mountain. It is called a siphon because the pipe exits the mountain up high, drops down to cross the creek and then climbs back up to the same height before entering the mountain on the other side.
Looking upstream from the bridge in Balch Camp at a high medium flow.
Looking downstream from the bridge in Balch Camp at the confluence with the NF Kings.

These rocks on the upstream side of the Balch Camp bridge over Dinkey are distinctive enough that they should help you determine whether the flow is low or high. The flow in this picture is probably just on the high side of medium for this section.

The left side route at Tiny Chute.
The end of Dinkey Creek as it enters Balch Camp and joins the NF Kings.
Dinkey Creek, elevation 1360 feet, at Balch Camp, CA.

This the first half of a long stairstep rapid about 3/4 or the way down the run.
This is one of the more conjested rapids on lower Dinkey Creek. At lower flows the usual line is to run far right through a twisting slot. Below this rapid the creek is still continuous class IV but not as steep as the first few miles.

Looking upstream at two fun ledge drops with Junk City Rapid behind. Junk City is the steepest and tightest rapid in this section of Dinkey Creek.
Looking upstream at two fun ledge drops with Junk City Rapid behind. Junk City is the steepest and tightest rapid in this section of Dinkey Creek.