Fairday Diversion Dam, 12,000 on the Three Lynx Gauge
Photos Credits: Kenny Kiley & Luke Spencer
This section has been on my list of "To Do" runs for many years. There are a few reasons why it took me this long to paddle it.
This section has been de-watered by PGE for the West Side Hydro Power Project which started in the early 1900's What does that mean???
Well... PGE has 3 dams on the Clackamas between the NF Reservoir and River Mill Dam just below Estacada.
- North Fork Dam
- Fairday Diversion Dam & Power House
- River Mill Dam
The combined 3 dams create enough electricity to power 30,500 homes
This doesn't account for the Oak Grove Power House that can generate enough power for 22,000 homes by itself do to the steep drop at the power house location.
Total ability to power = over 50,000 homes which is then sold back to us to power our TV's, computer's, stove's, washing machines. etc.....
For more info on the project click the link below.
http://www.portlandgeneral.com/community_environment/initiatives/protecting_fish/clackamas_river/hydro_plants_fish_passage.aspx
I am not passing judgment on how right or wrong this is I am just relying info! Don't punish the messenger.
The water dilemma is created by the Fairday Diversion Dam. Because of the diversion dam there is only adequate amount of water to paddle when the river rises to over 5,000cfs on the Three Lynx gauge. This usually happens a few times a year.
One thing to remember about the flow is the inflow and outflow do not equal the amount of water in the run. Water is pulled out just above the diversion dam and released below the run. So to calculate flow for the Cazadero Stretch you would need to know what is spilling over Fairday Dam. This is my understanding of it.
The other problem along with lack of water is that the old highway that used to run along the river connecting the Upper Clackamas to the lower stretch below McIver was shut down and gated. Paddlers that want to run this section must hike their boats upstream form the gate at the west end of the old highway and put in just below Fairday Diversion Dam.
Luckily for us the hike is short aprs 10-15 minutes on a nice paved road. While making the hike you can scout the rapids, very convenient.
So those are the challenges! However this is a great short run. I would recommend running this section when flows are between 5,000- 12,000cfs. I have been there twice now, once at 5,000 and dropping and once at 12,000 and dropping. Two totally different experiences! If you like BIG water class 4 check it out high if you prefer more technical pool drop class 3-4 lower levels may suit you more.
The run is scenic and fun, well worth the effort. Paddlers can take out on the lake behind the Cazadero Inn. which is also where we left our cars. Leave some money at the takeout and have a beer or some food when you are done!
Below are pics from 12,00 and falling. Enjoy!
Me ready to tackle some BIG water in my Fluid Nemesis!
Kenny Kiley owner of Blunt Family Paddles looking at the level "Looks Smok'n bro, did I mention I am off the couch!"
1st good rapid
2nd good rapid
The middle channel on Island Split Rapid
The third big rapid is a is split by two island and makes 3 channels. The left is the sneak route, the middle is the main line, and the right is the JUICER line! Your Choice.
When I went back at the lower level me and Ryan Young fired off the steep/technical right side. It was not JUICER but it was very fun. A bit manky and pinny thought.
The right side when it was JUICY
Looking back up at Island Split Rapid
After Island Split the river mellows out with a few small rapids, some nice waterfalls tumbling down the cliffs and a mellow paddle out to the lake.
Part of the power generating facility below the rapids
I would encourage paddlers to check this out and start raising awareness about this run. Its obvious that PGE flooded some great whitewater between the NF dam and River Mill dam. Its a real shame for Estacada, they would have had a great stretch of whitewater running right by town.
SYOTR!
