Oatka Creek - Leroy to Fort Hill


Oatka Creek, New York, US

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Leroy to Fort Hill

Usual Difficulty II-III (varies with level)
Length 3 Miles

Seal on Ice


Seal on Ice
Photo by Harry Marinakis taken 01/31/01

Gauge Information

Name Range Difficulty Updated Level
OATKA CREEK AT GARBUTT NY
usgs-04230500 800 - 3500 cfs II-III 00h51m 194 cfs (rc= -0.4 )


River Description

Updated May 7, 2001

Oatka Creek is a seasonal creek that drains into the Genesee River just south of Rochester. The creek is characterized by numerous ledges and pour-overs. Though rather tame, it features a nice surf wave, many excellent play holes and a beautiful but unrunnable 50-foot waterfall (Buttermilk Falls). Oatka Creek is most fun when run at high levels (6 feet on the Garbutt gauge).


StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2005-04-03 07:52:58

Editors



Buttermilk Falls

Detail Trip Report  Buttermilk Falls  Oatka Creek, NY(353.23KB .jpeg)

Surfing Heaven

Detail Trip Report  Surfing Heaven  Oatka Creek, NY(453.37KB .jpeg)

Downstream from Buttermilk Falls

Detail Trip Report  Downstream from Buttermilk Falls  Oatka Creek, NY(31.66KB .jpeg)

Seal on Ice

Detail Trip Report  Seal on Ice  Oatka Creek, NY(294.51KB .jpeg)


Gauge Information

Gauge Description:

Stage 6 feet (2150 cfs) is considered flood, according to Harry Marinakis, who contributed most of the content to this page.

Gauge Information

Name Range Difficulty Updated Level
OATKA CREEK AT GARBUTT NY
usgs-04230500 800 - 3500 cfs II-III 00h51m 194 cfs (rc= -0.4 )

RangeWater LevelDifficultyComment
800 -2200 cfs barely runnable-med runnable II-III
2200 -3500 cfs perfect runnable-high runnable III+ Flood stage, according to the USGS.

Report - Reports of Oatka Creek Leroy to Fort Hill and related gauges

Reports give the public a chance to report on river conditions throughout the country as well as log the history of a river.

Reports

When River/Gauge Subject Level Reporter
> 10 years Oatka Creek [NY] Buttermilk Falls n/a Harry A. Marinakis, M.D.

WXPort

News





User Comments
2011-04-28 03:00:00 (290 days ago)
chrix (152870)
Ran this 3/12/2011 around 5.25' or so down to the falls. A few strainers but all with sneak lines.
However, I would recommend going left at the island instead of right as there is a nasty strainer
and sticky situation as the right side converges back to the main. After scouting this we simply
portaged across the island and put in on left side. Fun run at this level! Note -- Ran today
(4/28/2011) and everything was clean -- not strainers. Right side was clear.
2006-08-18 06:36:17 (2004 days ago)
Stage 6 feet is considered flood by the USGS. Edit
Users can submit comments.

Rapid Summary

Mile Rapid Name Class Features (Legend)
0.0PUTINPutin
0.5SURF WAVEIIIPlayspot Photo
2.0CROCKER'S RAPIDIIIAccess
2.5BUTTERMILK FALLSHazard Waterfall Photo
2.6PORTAGEAccess Portage Photo
2.7THE GORGEIIIPhoto
3.0TAKEOUTTakeout

Rapid Descriptions

PUTIN
The putin is located in downtown Le Roy, just below the Route 5 bridge. There is a nice city park on river left with ample parking and convenient river access.

There are numerous surf waves adjacent to this park (best above stage 5.5).

SURF WAVE (Class III, Mile 0.5)

Surfing Heaven

Surfing Heaven
Photo by Harry A. Marinakis, M.D. taken 01/31/01

Just downstream from the putin are three bridges in quick succession. Below the third bridge is the best surf wave on the creek. It is fun at 4.5 feet, but is is best at stage 5.5+ feet. This wave is a great "destination boating" play spot.

The creek divides left and right at the surf wave. Take the right branch. Downstream there are three holes. Beware, these holes can be VERY sticky.

Below the convergence of the two branches, there is another river-wide pour over. Like so many other pour overs, this hole is VERY sticky at stage 5.0+ feet.

CROCKER'S RAPID (Class III, Mile 2.0)
At two miles, North Road crosses the creek. This is Crocker's rapid. If the water level is less than 4.5 feet, takeout here. There is ample roadside parking.

BUTTERMILK FALLS

Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls
Photo by Harry A. Marinakis, M.D. taken 01/31/01

Not far downstream from the North Road bridge, you will cross under an old railroad bridge. One hundred yards downstream from this railroad bridge, you will notice a definite horizon line and hear a tremendous roar. This is Buttermilk Falls. Takeout just above or just below this bridge, on river left.

WARNING! Buttermilk Falls is approximately 50 feet high. It is not runnable. The pool at the base of the falls is very shallow and is clogged with boulders, shopping carts and other debris.

PORTAGE

Seal on Ice

Seal on Ice
Photo by Harry Marinakis taken 01/31/01

Portage around Buttermilk Falls on river left. There is a well-worn trail that will lead you along the rim of the gorge. After hiking about 200 to 300 yards, you will see a walking trail that leads through a break in the cliffs and down to the creek. Putin anywhere that is convenient.

THE GORGE (Class III, Mile 2.7)

Downstream from Buttermilk Falls

Downstream from Buttermilk Falls
Photo by Doug Roode taken 01/31/01

The gorge downstream from Buttermilk Falls is bony at 4.5 feet. At 5.0 feet and higher, this section of Oatka Creek is very exciting. The water is pushy and rock abound. Definitely not a place for paddlers who cannot stay upright. A capsize in this water would quickly lead to an injury and a swim.

TAKEOUT
Oatka Creek parallels Route 383 for several miles east of Fort Hill. Takeout anywhere along Route 383 that is convenient.


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 Leroy to Fort Hill, Oatka Creek New York, US (mobile)