Wisconsin, Wisconsin, US |
|
| Usual Difficulty | II-III+(IV) (for normal flows) |
|---|---|
| Length | 1 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient | 60 fpm |
| Max Gradient | 60 fpm |
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WISCONSIN RIVER AT MERRILL, WI | ||||
| usgs-05395000 | 10000 - 20000 cfs | II-III+(IV) | 03h13m | ~ 1600 cfs (rc= -0.8 ) |
Between the Grandfather Dam and the powerhouse lies a full mile of big, wide river with an
amazing jumble of rocks and a few good ledges. With adequate water, this is a wild stretch of
river which should allow many options of routes and plenty of play possibilities.
There is one main ledge about 2/3 of the way down which may rate the (IV) in the description. At
low-to-moderate flows, this reach may be more in the II-III range, but the continuous nature of
the rapids, and pushiness (as it heads to higher water levels) should not be taken lightly.
There is a minor trail through the brush on river left for scouting, and the road parallels the
river not far back from that.
The capacity of the penstock and powerplant is reportedly 2,500 cfs, which would seem to indicate
flows in excess of that should start putting water in this reach. I have seen the river at 'fish
flow' (summer trickle), and it would appear that this could certainly be boatable with much less
than the 10,000 (2500 for penstock, which means 7500 in the river!) those sites suggest.
Call 715-536-8114 or -7289 weekdays 7am-4pm for flow info.
According to Madison Hoofers (and PaddleGuides website), if Merrill gauge > 10k, this reach is likely runnable. Those sites further suggest the capacity of the penstock and powerplant is only 2500 cfs, which would seem to indicate that flows in excess of that should start putting water in this reach. I have seen the river at 'fish flow' (summer trickle), and it would appear that this could certainly be boatable with much less than the 10,000 those sites suggest. To be sure, it would be more technical and there would be fewer choices of lines, but it should be boatable.
If you can provide better flow information, please use the "Add a Comment" button in the "Comments" tab.
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WISCONSIN RIVER AT MERRILL, WI | ||||||||||||
| usgs-05395000 | 10000 - 20000 cfs | II-III+(IV) | 03h13m | ~ 1600 cfs (rc= -0.8 ) | ||||||||
|
Reach is dewatered unless flows exceed power-plant capacity/demands. Call 715-536-8114 or -7289 weekdays 7am-4pm for flow info. |
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| When | River/Gauge | Subject | Level | Reporter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 255d17h40m | /Wisconsin-C) Grandfather Falls [WI] |
Grandfather Falls Dam
|
0 cfs | Thomas O'Keefe |
| 3y231d13h12m | /Wisconsin-C) Grandfather Falls [WI] |
Main Ledge at low water
|
too low to run | Rob Smage |
| 9y303d12h12m | Wisconsin [WI] |
WI, Wisconsin River, Grandfather Falls
|
n/a | Mark Mastalski |
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C) Grandfather Falls (1 mile), Wisconsin Wisconsin, US (mobile)
