Chippewa, Wisconsin, US |
|
| Usual Difficulty | II-III (for normal flows) |
|---|---|
| Length | 1.1 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient | 30 fpm |
| Max Gradient | 30 fpm |
Located about 8 miles northwest of Chippewa Falls, at the junction of County Highway Y and
Highway 178, this short reach of river is class II and class III pool-drop rapids, requiring
intermediate to advanced skill level.
Releases into the original river channel (otherwise substantially dewatered between the dam and
Xcel Energy's Jim Falls Hydro Plant) take place for two full months in spring (from April 1st to
May 31st, for Sturgeon spawning) when this reach should run a constant 850 cfs, while summer
releases (four times annually in July and August during the six year evaluation period) should be
650 cfs.
A sign-in sheet will be posted at the put-in. Please be sure to sign! Records will
determine continuity of use of releases at the 6-year evaluation.
To be added to an email list to be advised of each year's release dates, email your request to
robert.w.olson@xcelenergy.com.
Increased flows are provided as a result of hydropower relicensing activities undertaken by Xcel
Energy in conjunction with the National Park Service (Rivers & Trails Program), Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and local boating groups.
Additional questions may be directed to Angie Tornes at angie_tornes@nps.gov
Some boaters will put in by the dam to have a little 'warm-up' before the main action. However,
this upper portion of the reach contains little more than rocks and current, so most paddlers
will prefer to put-in at an old bridge midway down the channel where the first real rapids
start.
Below the bridge, a mix of rocks and chutes provide a few spots for minor play. There are plenty
of 'stealth rocks' (both in the flow and in some eddies) just to keep you on your guard.
Reportedly, the summer release flows are somewhat 'thin', so best play may be at the spring
levels, when more of these rocks may be more covered.
For additional information, contact Joe Wawrzaszek at Spring Street Sports, Chippewa Falls:
715.723.6616 or by e-mail at sss@charter.net.
Check out the Jim Falls
Blogspot for current release schedule, some great photos, and other area info.
A fine 'companion piece' may be the Big Falls of the Eau Claire, which lies
just about 15 miles due south of Jim Falls, and about 9 miles due east of Eau Claire, WI.
Check out the following videos (courtesy of "VesperSparrow" and YouTube). The first is
at 'normal' (one gate) release, the other is unusually high (three gates) release.
Flows of 850 cfs will be released continuously between April 1 - May 31st each year for fish spawning. Additional whitewater flow releases of 650 cfs will occur four times annually in July and August during the six year evaluation period. Additionally, it may run at times of high flow (significant rain events).
| When | River/Gauge | Subject | Level | Reporter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHIPPEWA RIVER [WI] |
MIDDLE DROP
|
n/a | ken sebranek | |
| 1y292d16h38m | @Chippewa B) Jim Falls (0.5 mile) [WI] |
850 with stugen in the river
|
850 cfs | bryan foster |
| 2y278d04h38m | Chippewa River (Jim Falls) [WI] |
Stacy Flips
|
850 cfs | bryan foster |
| Mile | Rapid Name | Class | Features (Legend) |
|---|---|---|---|
| -0.2 | Camping | N/A | |
| 0.0 | Parking for Upper (Dam) Put-in | N/A | |
| 0.2 | Put-In Parking - "Old Abe" Wayside | N/A | |
| 0.5 | First rapids | N/A | |
| 0.5 | Alternate Put-In #2 | N/A |  |
| 0.5 | Ledge #1 + Ledge #2 | N/A | |
| 0.5 | Sign in sheet location | N/A | |
| 0.6 | 2nd Rapids | N/A | |
| 0.7 | Big Drop (3rd Rapids) | N/A | |
| 0.9 | Final Drop | N/A | |
| 1.1 | Take-out Parking | N/A |
There is an area for free tent camping, located along Hwy #178 about two blocks north of the dam, right next to the lake. It has room for several small tents, and has one picnic table, and a fire ring. There is a separate Men's/Women's rest room 100' away at the public access. (Make sure to bring your own TP, as it is not always provided).
There is parking alongside the dam for those wishing to do the full (most extended) run of this reach, putting in just below the dam.
When using this parking/access, make sure to stop by the sign in location to show that you're using this wonderful resource in order to continue these releases in the future.
The usual Put-in parking lot when group shuttling. Follow the trail down to the river.
Glenn Felske provided (2004-11-22):
A better put in spot is 500 feet north on 178 past the old bridge. A historical marker and picnic area provides a parking lot and easy access to the river. The river is very shallow and a short walk up river is required during normal level. This put in allows you to get lined up on the river left chute below the bridge. This is a narrow chute that starts with a left turn into a
gradual slope downstream. During normal levels, there are 2 rocks at the end of the chute. A hard
right is required, although I have managed to canoe through them.
When using this parking/access, make sure to stop by the sign in location to show that you're using this wonderful resource in order to continue these releases in the future.
This is the put-in most used for the main action (the 'lower' run) or for park-and-play. From the NW corner of the parking lot where the sign up sheet is kept, look for the trail and carry down to a backwater/eddy to put in. The first 3 rapids are accessible from this point, allowing a park and play. It is easy to carry up "Big Drop" and the 2nd rapids, run the flat water between them, and paddle back to the bridge where you can carry back up to the parking lot.
Almost back-to-back ledges occur on river-right, just upstream of the bridge.
The negotiated releases will be periodically reviewed.
Make sure to sign in to show that you're using this wonderful resource in order to continue these releases in the future.
Two big holes and an offset ledge.
You have some options on how to run this:
Run down the middle and punch the big hole at the bottom.
Run the ledge to river-right of the hole.
Run down the middle, and shoot the gap between the upper hole on river left, and the center hole at the bottom.
It is recommended to run through the center of the hole or to river-left of it, due to shallow rebar on the right side under the bridge.
Drive down a short hill and park on the grass near the river. Watch out for a rock at the bottom that has ruined more than one oil pan. Avoid it!
If it is wet and slippery, you may want to park along the top edge of the road.
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User Comments
falls? With the rain this summer I have been wondering if Jim falls is running after some of the
small stuff has settled out.
picnic area provides a parking lot and easy access to the river.The river is very shallow and a
short walk up river is required during normal level.This put in allows you to get lined up on the
river left chute below the bridge.this is a narrow chute that starts with a left turn into a
gradual slope down streem.During normal levels, there are 2 rocks at the end of the chute.A hard
right is required although I have managed to canoe threw them.