Kern
6) Below Democrat to Kern #1 Powerhouse
| Difficulty | IV-V+ |
| Length | 8.9 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Kern R Bl Kern Cyn Ph Div Dam |
| Flow Rate as of 2 days | 470 cfsstale data |
| Reach Info Last Updated | January 12, 2009 |
Projects
Table of Contents Kern River #3 Hydropower Project, P-2290 Borel Hydropower Project, P-382 Kern River #1 Hydropower Project, P-1930 Kern Canyon Hydropower Project, P-178 Wild and Scenic River Management American Whitewater’s work on the Kern River has included engagement in the management of the Kern Wild and Scenic River [...]Read More
River Description
The section can be divided into three distinct runs.
The Cadilacs, a class 5 section.
Richbar, a class 3 4 section.
The Cataracts, an impressive class 5+ section.
The highway runs close to the river along this whole section so there are many potential locations for put in and take out. There are however many other areas where it is awkward and difficult to get from the river back up to the road if you get in trouble. Scout carefully from the many turnouts.
Other Information Sources:
Sequoia National Forest Kernville office phone # 760-376-3781
FERC information: License #1930
All of the documents for KR1 can be found using a wildcard search at
http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/elibrary.asp#skipnavsub
Change the years to 1992 to 1999, use a docket number of P-1930-*, and keep clicking 'Next Page' until you reach the titles of interest. The Final Environmental Assessment (FEA) for KR1 is at
http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/searc...oclist=1835261
Key ruling from FERC:
'We don't recommend any flow releases for whitewater bo
...River Features
Put In
Gauge: KE-16
This gauging station is just a short ways below Democrat Dam and measures flow in the river that is not diverted by the KR-1 powerhouse.
KRD - KERN R BLW DIVERSION DAM, KE-16 (CDEC link).