Kansas River
Near Lawrence (PnP)
| Difficulty | II |
| Length | 0.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Reach Info Last Updated | November 21, 2004 |
River Description
The Kansas River (a.k.a. 'the Kaw') below Bowersock Dam offers some nice surfing in low water conditions. Be aware that Bowersock dam has baffles that can drop at any time and at higher water deadly hydraulics can form. Boat at your own risk!
An interesting history of the dam and town can be found on the Bowersock Power website, including a few photos which may show a bit of the wave.
According to Natural Kansas,
> The Massachusetts street bridge over the Kansas River in downtown Lawrence lies above the Bowersock Dam, the only dam on the Kaw River. The waterfall created by the dam makes the river below it free of ice, even in the coldest winters.
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportTried this for a novelty while passing through, since I have family nearby. Good news is access is extremely easy and it looks like it has the makings for some type of wave. Bad news is it was way too low (late November), and read about ~1500 on the USGS Kansas River @ Lawrence gauge. Free public parking off Locust St 100yds from the dam. Worth trying to be the first of your friends to paddle whitewater in Kansas, while enjoying the bar/food scene in Lawrence on your way west/east. - Matt