Pacific Gas and Electric Company is warning boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts to use extra caution this weekend as higher water flows are scheduled on a section of the North Fork Feather River in Plumas County.
The increased flows will occur Saturday and Sunday on the Rock Creek Reach, an 8.3-mile stretch of river between Rock Creek Dam and the Rock Creek Powerhouse near Storrie in the Plumas National Forest.
Beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, water releases will increase to at least 1,100 cubic feet per second through the afternoon before dropping to 900 cubic feet per second. Flows will return to their normal seasonal level of about 400 cubic feet per second on Sunday afternoon.
PG&E says the higher releases create Class III, IV and V whitewater rapids that are suitable only for experienced paddlers and are not safe for tubing.
The scheduled releases are part of four annual whitewater recreation weekends coordinated with American Whitewater and the Rock Creek-Cresta Ecological Resource Committee. Additional high-flow weekends are planned for late July, August and September.
PG&E is also reminding the public to avoid cold, fast-moving water, be aware of submerged hazards, and never enter canals or flumes, which can contain dangerous currents and hidden obstacles.
