Onion Creek
1. Ruby Ranch Road to F.M. 1626 (3 miles)
| Difficulty | II-III(IV) |
| Length | 3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 24 fpm |
| Gauge | Onion Ck Nr Driftwood, Tx |
| Flow Rate as of 16 minutes | 0 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 7, 2022 |
River Description
For the first two miles of the run, this stretch of Onion Creek is fairly uneventful, consisting mainly of a few small rapids and wave trains until you get to Barber Falls (see description below.) Both drops of Barber Falls (Winterburg's Freeze and Teardrop Falls) are runnable at a wide variety of levels but increase significantly in difficulty at higher flows. When the first two miles of the run are prime (above 1000 cfs), the falls become much higher-consequence. Typically the falls are ideal between 200-500 cfs, with a first-timer sweet spot at approximately 250 cfs. The remainder of the run below the falls is uneventful, with a couple of boulder gardens and small waves.
Distances and gradient measured using GIS tools in 2015.
The LCRA Hydromet gauge at Buda is a better reference than the USGS gauge at Driftwood (linked above), since Driftwood is quite a few miles upstream.
Ruby Ranch Road Put-in:
In the past, shuttle vehicles for this stretch could not be left at or near Ruby Ranch Road. Local landowners were known to threaten boaters, call police, and even vandalize vehicles, so it was impossible to do this run without a wheelman. Texas Whitewater even suggested that you should be dressed and ready to jump out of the vehicle and immediately put in.
More recent beta from paddlers suggests that this is no longer the case and that vehicles can now be safely parked in the right-of-way of Ruby Ranch Rd. The Northeast (river left, downstream) side of the bridge seems to be a good place to park, because a fence clearly dilineates the right-of-way, and the bridge guardrail is shortest on that side (making it the closest legal parking spot to the creek.) Paddlers should still be as discreet as possible and avoid venturing outside of the right-of-way.
<...River Features
Barber Falls
Winterburg's Freeze is a six-foot, river-wide pourover. While much smaller than Teardrop Falls, it is much more dangerous and should be approached with caution. This feature can be scouted (and portaged) on river left. It is a good idea to scout this rapid to ensure that no strainers or debris are blocking the route. While the center line may look like the most inviting route, avoid running center or river left at low water. A rock shelf has fallen into the base of the drop and slants upstream, creating a possible subsurface undercut/pin hazard on these lines. The best line is far river right. A solid boof on the river-right line should get you past the feature, but even this line will hand out a mean piton to those who fail to keep their nose up. At higher water, the pourover can be very retentive, so care should be taken when running it (as with any pourover.)
Teardrop Falls is a clean, 18-foot waterfall that drops into a deep pool. This beautiful waterfall can be run as low as 150 cfs and up to 1500 cfs, but high-water huckers should be aware of the powerful hydraulic at the base of the falls. Up to 500 cfs, the line is pretty apparent. At higher flows, boaters have gone far right over the shelf, thus avoiding the strongest part of the veil. Safety should be set prior to running the drop (this can be done on river left.) While a deteriorating shelf is a concern, the pool is very deep, and the falls can be styled with big boofs or by going deep. However, at lower levels, be sure not to land too flat, as an 18-foot drop is high enough to cause a sore back or even a more long-term injury.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportUnder cut on right side of wintersburg freeze can be a hazard.
Ben Kvanli runs Teardrop Falls at approx. 500 cfs
Picture taken By Kyle Johnson in 2005
Kyle Johnson freewheels Teardrop Falls at approx. 150 cfs
Picture taken by Matt Tamen 2010
Kyle Johnson airs a big boof at Teardrop Falls at approx. 400 cfs.
Photo by Jaime Brown
Very good picture of teardrop falls. This creek is great!