Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) urges the public to take extra safety precautions as water flows will be higher for whitewater recreation through the weekend of Oct. 31-Nov. 1 on a stretch of the North Fork Feather River.
During the higher flows these parts of the river contains Class III, IV and V rapids, which are only appropriate for skilled paddlers, and not appropriate for tubing.
The higher flows will occur in the Cresta Reach, a 4.9-mile portion of the North Fork Feather River in the Plumas National Forest, between PG&E’s Cresta Dam and the Cresta Powerhouse near Pulga.
By 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, flows in the Cresta Reach will be increased to a minimum 800 cubic feet-per-second (cfs) until Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. when flows will be gradually reduced to the season normal of approximately 150 cfs.
The recreational flows on the Cresta Reach are conducted in cooperation with the American Whitewater organization and the Rock Creek–Cresta Ecological Resource Committee.
PG&E offers the following water safety tips:
- Stay out of cold water. Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.
- Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface. Swift water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are strongly recommended.
Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay out of canals and flumes, which are very dangerous due to slippery sides, sub-surface obstacles, fast moving water, and transitions to full tunnels and pipes. For more water safety tips visit: www.pge.com/hydrosafety
