Ontonagon, W.Br. - B) Victoria Falls dam to Victoria Dam Rd. (5.3 miles)


Ontonagon, W.Br., Michigan, US

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B) Victoria Falls dam to Victoria Dam Rd. (5.3 miles)

Usual Difficulty III-IV (varies with level)
Length 5.3 Miles
Avg. Gradient 24 fpm
Max Gradient 101 fpm

Ontonagon West Branch Below Victoria Falls


Ontonagon West Branch Below Victoria Falls
Photo by Tom Aument taken 08/10/00 @ Dam Release

Gauge Information

Name Range Difficulty Updated Level
Ontonagon River at Victoria Falls
virtual-6356 500 - 1600 cfs I(II) 01h01m ~ 0 cfs (rc= -1.0 )
Likely too low; There could be random areas with enough concentrated flow for play. We need additional input. Add a comment or report. Virtual gauge approximates possible flow in this reach, normally dewatered by penstock. Actual flow must be confirmed by on-site inspection.


River Description

The first 1.4 miles is the class III-IV part and is a significantly dewatered reach with a lot of action packed into a short distance. (Beware metal debris in river.) The remaining 3.9 miles is a paddle out with light rapids. (Some boaters may opt to just carry back up along the penstock.)


StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2009-11-23 10:30:24

Ontonagon West Branch Below Victoria Falls

Detail Trip Report  Ontonagon West Branch Below Victoria Falls  Ontanagon, MI(707.41KB .jpeg)

Runnin' Vicki

Detail Trip Report  Runnin' Vicki  Ontonagon, W.Br., MI(6.80MB .wmv)


Gauge Information

Gauge Description:

The "virtual gauge" used here is based upon two USGS gauges and the maximum penstock capacity. It should reflect the flow in the dewatered reach, but there are variables that could affect this.

This is a normally dewatered reach and flow needs to exceed the penstock capacity to provide good runnable flows.

800 to 1200 cfs should be an "ideal" for most folks

This reach has been run and is runnable at flows above the listed maximum, though at such flows it features exploding waves and large holes that need be avoided. Boaters considering a high water run should scout prior to running the section from the "Fingers" down through the slide sequence to get an accurate picture of the level of challenge involved.

Gauge Information

Name Range Difficulty Updated Level
Ontonagon River at Victoria Falls
virtual-6356 500 - 1600 cfs I(II) 01h01m ~ 0 cfs (rc= -1.0 )
Likely too low; There could be random areas with enough concentrated flow for play. We need additional input. Add a comment or report.
Virtual gauge approximates possible flow in this reach, normally dewatered by penstock. Actual flow must be confirmed by on-site inspection.
RangeWater LevelDifficultyComment
0 - 500 cfs extremely Low-barely Low I(II) Likely too low; There could be random areas with enough concentrated flow for play. We need additional input. Add a comment or report.
500 - 800 cfs barely runnable-med runnable I-II Low, but boatable. Some areas will be grungy. We need additional input. Add a comment or report.
800 -1200 cfs med runnable-a bit pushy runnable II-III+ Moderate flow. May start to be 'pushy', especially for novice/intermediate boaters. We need additional input. Add a comment or report.
1200 -1600 cfs a bit pushy runnable-high runnable III+(IV) High flows. Likely to be 'pushy' and features will build.
1600 -2000 cfs somewhat High-somewhat High III-IV Very high flows. Experts only. Big and pushy. Swims will be EPIC.
2000 -99999 cfs somewhat High-extremely High IV-V Monstrous flows for this reach. (Not necessarily rare, just huge!)

Report - Reports of Ontonagon, W.Br. B) Victoria Falls dam to Victoria Dam Rd. (5.3 miles) 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 Ontanagon [MI] Ontonagon West Branch Below Victoria Falls Dam Release n/a
> 10 years Ontonagon, W.Br. [MI] Runnin' Vicki 1600 cfs Rob Smage

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Rapid Summary

Mile Rapid Name Class Features (Legend)
1.4end of major gradientAccess

Rapid Descriptions

end of major gradient

As you come in sight of the powerhouse (and it's outflow canal) the major bulk of the gradient is over. Your option is to take-out and carry up alongside the penstock, or to continue downriver, paddling 3.9 miles of low gradient (but well-moving water) to get to the next road crossing.




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 B) Victoria Falls dam to Victoria Dam Rd. (5.3 miles), Ontonagon, W.Br. Michigan, US (mobile)