Portneuf

Lava Hot Springs to PVC diversion

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March 1, 2007

Trip Report

Reporterlance clark

If you put in below the diversion ( above the highway bridge ) there are some good drops before the pool. The river bed is- predictably- lava rock and the drops tend to be river wide ledges. The ledges are quite regular and thus tend to get stickier and stickier as flows grow.
The stretch has long been a summer tubing run from the thai restaraunt down at flow of 300cfs and less. But buyer beware at higher flows.

At flows of 400-700 it is great kayak fun. A surf wave comes in at the bridge near the hot pools and tourists stop to watch. at flows of 700-900 it is a surprisingly tough stretch. At flows above 1000 the holes are extremely sticky and nasty nasty swims are possible. At this level full creeking gear, throw bags and scouting is highly reccommended. A good boof stroke is mandatory as is a bomber roll and a good crew.The first drop (about an 8 footer) about took a guy last year. he had an extended hole swim (appx 2 minutes totally submerged). His boat didn't reappear for over 20 minutes. Take this little stretch seriously at higher flows. I am reluctant to grade it but am comfoirtable in class IV and this stretch scares me above 1000cfs.

Trip Report – Portneuf – Lava Hot Springs to PVC diversion | American Whitewater