Lower Pipeline (LP) & Tundra

NOTE: Trees from shore into the water affect eddies here. River-Left: A tall Ash tree lays across the shore and diagonally a bit into the flow downstream of Tundra, upstream of Lazy Willow. It should not cause any problem for experienced boaters. River-Right: A relatively small buckthorn lies horizontal in the water, perpendicular to shore and to the current, mostly in the eddy below the river-right pocket of Lower Pipeline. Many boaters never head over there, but those who do may tangle with this snag.

Many features on this run come and go (I.E., are good at some levels but either disappear or are lame at other levels), but this one stays present at a wide variety of flows.

At levels up to about 1000 cfs (depending on your boat and your skill), you can paddle upstream in the center-river slackwater, over the back of the wave, to slide in for repeat surfs of the main wave.

At flows above 1,000 cfs, charge hard to the right, blast through the wave, and immediately turn bow-upstream in a narrow eddy along the near-vertical wall of rock. From there it is often possible to paddle up and over the extreme-river-right part of the wave then surf across to the center. (This move may not be possible at some range of moderately high flows, but tends to become possible again at higher flows!)

At any level over about 250-300 cfs, the main wave extends from center to river-right shore. It allows great side-surf practice (especially nice for beginners) and has a natural 'kick' into a left-hand flatspin. Front surfs, blasting and spins against the grain can be pursued by more experienced boaters for variety. It is also interesting to try surfing from center all the way across to river right and back, feeling and reacting to the differing currents in the shallow, steep-faced wave.

As levels rise (from 1000 to 2000 or more), this wave just becomes bigger and steeper, turning into a wall of water (especially the further river-right you go). If this wave doesn't amaze you at these levels, you either are not a 'wave boater' or you've done considerable travel to boat some amazing rivers elsewhere. At some (moderately high) flows, it becomes possible to catch on the fly (drop in backwards, hit the pile with your back and quickly put your boat on a planing angle *or* maybe drop in sideways and ready to brace), but many boaters will be surprised (and frustrated!) by how hard it is to keep from flushing through this wave, however big and steep it may look!

At river left (slightly downstream of the main wave here) lies 'Tundra' (so named because it lies 'below the pipeline' (think the Alaskan oil pipeline), and also to honor the 'frozen tundra' of Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers). Unfortunately, 'post 2008 flood', this wave has been seriously affected, and is now a tame surf (generally at levels maybe 400-1000 or so). Eddy service for this wave is largely non-existent, making it difficult-to-impossible for repeat play. (You must come of the wave in control, paddling to the center-river slackwater, regain the 'main' (Lower Pipeline) wave, then slide over to 'Tundra' from there once again.)