Whitewater recreation scheduled October 29 to 30
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will provide higher flows on a portion of the Pit River in eastern Shasta County.
The higher flows will occur from October 24 to November 20. The higher flows are the result of both powerhouse maintenance at the Pit 1 Powerhouse and for whitewater recreation scheduled October 29 to 30. Flows will be increased from about 200 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 800 to 900 cfs over the entire four-week period.
Recreationalists in or near this portion of the river are encouraged to use extra caution during the increased flows. This portion of the river contains Class IV and V rapids, which are appropriate only for skilled paddlers. The flows are not safe for tubing.
The Pit 1 Reach is the 6.5-mile portion of the Pit River that extends from PG&E’s Pit 1 Forebay in Fall River Mills to the Pit 1 Powerhouse.
While the powerhouse is undergoing scheduled maintenance, water will not be diverted into a tunnel and instead will flow into the Pit 1 Reach.
PG&E previously conducted higher flows on the Pit 1 Reach on October 8 and 9.
The whitewater flows are a requirement of PG&E’s license conditions for the Pit 1 Hydroelectric Project.
Despite the drought, water flows in the Pit River watershed are near normal as the Pit River is largely fed by springs that steadily release water from large volcanic aquifers, even in dry years.
At PG&E, safety is our top priority. PG&E offers the following water safety tips:
- 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 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 and fast moving water.See
Pit River Country 