PG&E Urges Caution as High Water Flows Hit North Fork Feather River

PG&E is urging caution for outdoor enthusiasts gearing up for thrilling whitewater adventures on the North Fork Feather River during the weekends of September 16-17 and 23-24. The river’s Rock Creek Reach will feature challenging Class III, IV, and V rapids during these high water flows, making it suitable only for experienced kayakers and rafters, not tubing.

The 8.3-mile stretch of the North Fork Feather River, located within the Plumas National Forest, will see water flow increase from 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, peaking at 1,100 cubic feet-per-second (cfs) before gradually decreasing to 900 cfs at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 17. Subsequently, flows will return to approximately 400 cfs.

During the following weekend, flows will peak at 900 cfs from Saturday, September 23, to 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, gradually returning to 400 cfs. Access may be limited due to ongoing construction on Highway 70. Boaters can enter at Rock Creek Bench and exit near Rock Crest Camp. The Rock Creek Inlet will be closed for parking and take-out due to roadwork. Alternatively, boaters can head downstream to Cresta Reach for a different adventure.

This initiative, conducted with American Whitewater and the Rock Creek–Cresta Ecological Resource Committee, replaces canceled June events due to Highway 70 closures. PG&E emphasizes safety and experience as keys to navigating these challenging rapids.

For water safety tips visit: www.pge.com/hydrosafety