Fox (Illinois R. trib.), Illinois, US

C) Batavia Dam (PnP)

Dam from river right

Dam from river right
Photo by Rich

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
FOX RIVER AT MONTGOMERY, IL
usgs-05551540	500 - 2000 cfs	I-II(IV)	00h37m	1290 cfs (rc= 0.5 )
	Runnable/playable range. Gauge (1732 sq.mi. drainage) is about 10 miles downstream, with no major tribs entering, thus should reasonably portray actual flow in this reach.

River Description

Quick Facts:

Location: Downtown Batavia, IL (Approximately 40 miles due west from downtown Chicago).
Shuttle Length: Carry up (Park-and-huck/park-and-play)
Character: City surroundings. A dam on a fairly large watershed river (therefore almost always at least some semi-playable flow) provides local boaters moving water practice, and (with caution) a IV-ish slot to run.

General Overview

An 8' dam (sloping face, runnable in a number of different spots at different levels, for varied thrills) is followed by good currents. At high water, a river-right bedrock slide (shown in the foreground in the 'feature photo' above-right) provides a bit of a 'rapids-running' opportunity, while river-left route provides a quick class IV-ish plunge. This slot is prone to catching debris, thus should always be scouted before running. As of this writing (2006.02.26) it is completely clear.

While this entire area is not generally noted for any specific playspots, it does have its proponents as a convenient spot for locals to get a bit of a moving water workout. You can practice eddy-turns, ferries, peel-outs, and assorted other skills, in addition to the possibility of getting a short, quick 'vertical rush'.

Note: This is not recommended for those not familiar with whitewater and features that cause hydraulic recirculations. "Low-head" dams are one of the most hazardous and potentially fatal river features that paddlers encounter. Many people die each year trying to run dams and getting inescapably caught in the recirculation at the base of the dam.

Before anyone considers running any dam, they should have formal paddling training, and have the knowledge and good judgement to know the difference between a fun situation and one that is a potential killer. Paddling with at least two partners, each having throw ropes is (as always) advised, in order to be prepared to handle emergency situations. That said, at a very wide range of flows, this area holds very little risk for experienced paddlers.