Staton's Creek

Last Friday, December 16, 2005, Mark and I attempted a very low and bitter cold run down Staton's. The level was somewhere in the neighborhood of 85-90 cfs. The Chunderslide, the Cascade and the Second Big Drop were still loads of fun, but be aware of Log Flume at this low level. In my opinion, there is not enough water to run the part of the drop next to the undercut wall rock, especially in these icy conditions. Mark set safety while I ran the boof move into the crux of the drop where all the water hits a rock wall and turns 90 degrees to the left. I made it down just fine, only to find a large block of ice protruding out into the middle of the next part of the drop. Luckily, I was able to hold myself in place, while Mark threw a rope to pull me out. I kicked my boat in front of me, which first disappeared into the hole, and then was wedged under the block of ice. We were unable to find my paddle, and believe it was swallowed by the undercut rock. If anyone happens to run across a purple Lightning paddle, I would love to get it back. It probably would have not been a big deal, but ice in the creek, and on the rocks, changed the scenario.