Weber

We did this at 678cfs May 28, 2024. 5 packrafts. We had 5 intermediate/beginner kayakers on this river and it was very intense. The white water was really fun and not the issue but the wood avoidance was. Right near the abandoned cabin flooded on the river there is a very large tree down and strainer that is avoidable if you stay left. If not, bad news. There are other wood avoidances that are very tricky and flipped a few of us. This was a serious issue as there are very few pools to collect yourself. This is not a section of river to flip in. Very competent class II paddlers are recommended. Just after Pinion Bridge and after the diversion dam rapid that a lot of people portage is the 'log ledge' thingy another commenter posted about. Portage this log ledge spot, or take out at Pinion Bridge if you don't want to portage twice in a short amoutn of time... or do not flip. Had I known to look for it after the Pinion Bridge I would have scouted a take out and took out there. This was way-way harder than the Henefer to Tagarts section even though it is rated the same. It is because it is such continuous Class II and some high consiquence swims with the strainers/wood. Highly recommend you avoid this section unless you are very familiar with the river and are very competent paddler. We portaged the diversion dam. It was ripping and looking runnable staying right floating over some shallow rocks but the main wave/hole was quite scary and looked like it would recirculate you quite a bit. We read about some metal and concrete but didn't see any. Overall very difficult day for us.

We parked at the Beaver Springs Ranch pullout without issue. The pedestrian gate was open and we talked to land owners who had no issues. We walked down with our boats across the bridge to a narrow pedestrian access point in the fence and a trail leading to an eddy. The bridges were totally floatable and we werent required to portage the two 'mandatory' portages at our CFS. At higher levels though for sure need to portage. Another commenter put in at the E Weber Canyton Road bridge down river from Beaver Springs. I recommend doing that to avoid private property. I have no idea on parking in this area for the put in here. Beaver Springs was okay though and land owners seemed inviting.

This section has some really fun water followed by some very serious conciquence swims and challenging wood avoidance. Losing a paddle or a boat to a swim will take a very long time to get back with a lot of help from your friends. Extremely challening. I wish I knew to avoid this section until I went with someone that really knew the river. I don't understand how lower flows avoid the rocks because at 678cfs butt-scooted a lot of rocks. Stick to the main channel always. I hope this comment helps!